– The Image of God Series –
ON PURPOSE . POWER . PREJUDICE . PEOPLE
*WHAT DO YOU THINK?
*This study will highlight the African American experience as an example of the racial prejudice that exists all over the world. The Bible has much to say on this subject and how God desires us to treat one another.
WHAT DOES GOD SAY ABOUT THIS?
1. Read Exodus 1:8-22. How did the king and the other Egyptians treat the Israelites?
2. Where did the king’s negative beliefs of the Israelite people come from?
3. What do you think the people had done to deserve this treatment?
Even today some people groups, like African Americans, are still being mistreated and experience negative attitudes, prejudice and racism. Like the Egyptians and the Jews, these attitudes are mostly rooted in fear. Racism is negative attitudes or behaviors directed at a person or group of people based on their skin color or heritage.
4. Much like the Israelites, African Americans (black people) have experienced injustice and mistreatment for many years. How do you see this happening in American culture today?
5. Read Zechariah 7:9-10. What is this passage telling us to do?
6. As we see in the Bible, the mistreatment of people is not okay with God. How do you think God feels about the mistreatment of African American people (or any other ethnic group) in society?
HOW DO WE APPLY THIS TO OUR LIVES?
7. How would you feel if you experienced some of the things the young men shared in the video? Explain why.
8. Can you share about a time when you felt mistreated?
9. Check out Colossians 3:13 and Proverbs 31:8-9. How do you think God wants you to respond?
10. What is the power source that helps us do what the Bible says?
It always helps to know about other people’s experiences when we talk about racism. If you would like to know more about one person’s African American experience, check out Chealsia’s story in the article below.
Look at me now: How Black History helps me claim a brighter future.
By Chealsia Smedley
What ideas do you have that could improve this study? Are there creative things you do to bring this topic home to your students? Please share with the community clicking the FEEDBACK button or leaving a comment below.
