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Multiculturalism from a biblical perspective
The Biblical perspective of multiculturalism is largely based upon the doctrine of the unity of human race and the universality of Christianity. Although many people all over the world continue to face significant challenges in applying these doctrines, there is a growing need to embrace unity in the diversity of cultures and overcome the cultural prejudice which is still common in several parts of the world (Hays, 2003). The Bible teaches that the human race is one. Every nation of the human race originated from one man called Adam and therefore every Christian should work toward improving the unity of humanity’s diversity (Acts 17: 26).
Additionally the Bible also clearly endorses multiculturalism arguing that God created Human race in his image and diversity only resulted from Gods divine command to the human race to increase in number and fill the whole earth. Lastly, with regard to the universality of the church, the Holy Scriptures encourages people of different cultures, races, languages and classes to come together in their faith and reconcile their differences. This was particularly evidenced during the Pentecost when people of different languages spoke in their native tongues after receiving the Holy Spirit. (Acts2: 8-12).
The other cultures are only different because they exist in different locations. For example, people living in the deserts will always have a different living style from the people living in the forests. Multiculturalism is therefore a reality and we must all appreciate the diversity of other cultures. According to Hernandez (2001), our assignments and lesson plans should include the diverse needs and perspectives of different cultures because no culture is superior to the others. Lastly, some of the strategies that can be employed in the classrooms to design lessons from a global cultural perspective include, using differentiated instructional plans, encouraging indigenous knowledge and being sensitive to racial and cultural differences (Ford and Harris, 1999).
References
Ford, D., Harris, J. (1999). Multicultural gifted education. New York: Teachers College Press.
Hays, J. (2003). From every people and nation: A Biblical theology of race. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press.
Hernandez, H. (2001). Multicultural education: A teacher’s guide to linking context, process, and content. New York: Prentice-Hall.
