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Rights & Justice
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Prejudice & discrimination in religion
Introduction
Prejudice
Prejudice involves forming negative judgements about individuals or groups before knowing them, often based on characteristics such as race, gender, religion or social background.
Discrimination
Discrimination occurs when these prejudices are acted upon, resulting in unfair or unequal treatment. Most religions teach the importance of equality, justice and respect for all human beings, and therefore generally oppose discrimination. Some believers may argue in favour of positive discrimination, where additional support is given to disadvantaged groups in order to achieve true equality and justice. Religious teachings often lead to practical responses such as campaigns, protests, charity work and education to challenge discrimination in society.
In this theme we will consider prejudice and discrimination on the basis of:
Being a woman
Being in a same-sex relationship
Race / ethnicity
Christianity
Humans are made in the image of God
Christianity strongly teaches that discrimination is wrong because all humans are created equally by God. In Genesis 1:27, Christians learn that humanity is made in the image of God (imago Dei), which gives every person equal value and dignity.
This teaching underpins Christian opposition to racism, sexism and other forms of discrimination.
Jesus' teachings
Jesusâ teachings and actions also challenged prejudice. The Parable of the Good Samaritan shows Jesus using a despised outsider as the moral example, directly confronting racial and religious prejudice in Jewish society. Similarly, Jesus healed the daughter of the Syro-Phoenician woman, a non-Jew, showing that Godâs love and compassion extend to everyone. His ethical teaching, often called the Golden Rule (Matthew 7:12) demands fair and loving treatment of all people.
St Paul
The New Testament reinforces this idea of equality. In Galatians 3:27â28, Paul teaches that in Christ there is no distinction between Jew or Greek, slave or free, male or female, because all are one in Christ Jesus. This suggests that social, racial and gender divisions should not exist within Christian communities.
In practice
In practice today, many Christian churches actively oppose discrimination. Christian organisations campaign against racism, support refugees and run charities such as food banks and Christian Aid. Some Christians support positive discrimination, for example encouraging women or ethnic minorities into leadership roles, arguing that this helps bring about fairness and justice in line with Jesusâ teachings.
Buddhism
Buddhism teaches that discrimination is wrong because it causes dukkha, or suffering. The Buddha taught that Right Action and Right Intention, which are part of the Eightfold Path, require people to act with kindness, fairness and compassion towards others. Discrimination leads to harmful thoughts and actions, increasing suffering for both individuals and society.
Buddhists aim to develop metta, or loving kindness, towards all living beings without exception. Everyone is considered equal because all people are welcome within the sangha, the Buddhist community. Discriminatory behaviour creates bad karma, which will negatively affect a personâs rebirth. The Dhammapada teaches that divisions such as race, religion, gender and social status are ultimately illusory. The Dalai Lama has also taught that the best way to live is to âalways think compassion.â As a result, many Buddhists support peace movements and campaigns that promote equality and non-violence.
Hinduism
Hinduism generally teaches that discrimination is wrong because the divine is present in all living beings. Hindus believe that Brahman, the ultimate reality, exists in everything. Each person has an atman, or true self, which means all people are spiritually equal regardless of external differences.
The principle of ahimsa, or non-violence, teaches that harming others through actions or attitudes such as discrimination is wrong. Discriminatory behaviour creates bad karma, which can affect future reincarnations. The Bhagavad Gita teaches that God looks upon all creatures equally, supporting the idea that no individual or group should be treated as inferior. Many Hindus therefore support actions that promote social harmony and equality.
Islam
Islam teaches that discrimination is wrong because Allah created all human beings equal, though different. Diversity in race, ethnicity and culture is part of Allahâs design and should be respected rather than judged. The Qurâan teaches that humanity was created from a single man and woman and divided into nations and tribes so that people may know one another, not discriminate against one another (Qurâan 49:13).
The Prophet Muhammad strongly opposed racism. He chose Bilal, a black African man, to perform the call to prayer, showing that status in Islam is based on faith rather than race. In his teachings, Muhammad stated that an Arab is not better than a non-Arab, and a white person is not better than a black person. The concept of the ummah, the worldwide Muslim community, emphasises unity and equality among believers. Many Muslims today challenge discrimination through charity work, education and anti-racism campaigns.
Judaism
Judaism teaches that discrimination is wrong because all people are created by God and therefore have equal worth. Genesis 1:27 teaches that both men and women are created in Godâs image.
Jewish ethics are also shaped by the historical experience of the Jews, who were once strangers and oppressed in Egypt.
The Torah commands Jews not to oppress others, especially foreigners. In Exodus, Jews are reminded not to mistreat strangers because of their own past suffering.
The command to âlove your neighbour as you love yourselfâ (Leviticus 19:18) reinforces the idea that all people deserve respect and fair treatment. Jewish communities often put these beliefs into practice by supporting refugees and working for human rights.
Sikhism
Sikhism strongly rejects discrimination and places great importance on equality and justice. Sikhs believe that God created everyone equally and that God is without caste. Guru Nanak taught that distinctions based on caste or social background are meaningless.
Guru Gobind Singh taught that although people may have different appearances, they are all created from the same substance by the same Creator. The Guru Granth Sahib teaches that those who truly love God will love everyone. The Mool Mantra reinforces the belief that God created all people equally and deserves equal respect from them.
These beliefs are clearly demonstrated in practice through langar, the free community kitchen found in all gurdwaras, where everyone eats together regardless of religion, gender or background. Sikhs also believe in standing up against injustice and often campaign for equality and human rights.
Final thoughts
All major religions teach equality and justice, meaning discrimination is generally seen as morally wrong. However, some believers argue that positive discrimination may be acceptable if it helps to correct injustice and create fairness. Religious teachings do not remain theoretical; they influence practical action such as charity work, campaigns, protests and education.