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Diversity Equity Inclusion, otherwise known as D.E.I., has become a key phrase over the last few years. To give you a “readers digest” definition of DEI I quote part of Wikipedia’s definition.

“Diversity refers to the presence of variety within the organizational workforce, such as in identity and identity politics. It includes gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, age, culture, class, religion, or opinion. Equity refers to concepts of fairness and justice, such as fair compensation and substantive equality… Finally, inclusion refers to creating an organizational culture that creates an experience where "all employees feel their voices will be heard, and a sense of belonging and integration.”

In short, DEI is aimed to make structural changes in companies, politics, government, and religions so as to be more tolerant and inclusive of all lifestyles. This reminds me of those who used to say we cannot judge anyone, while at the same time pouring out the wrath of their judgement on all who do not agree with them. Therefore, this gets us to the title of this article, “DEI and the Bible” or what does the Bible say about DEI. The Bible scholar J.W. McGarvey wrote, “Nothing is settled until it is settled right, and nothing is settled right until it is settled by the word of God.”

In the Bible, God is not ruled by society’s dictates or popular trends. God is equitable in dealing with sin. All sin breaks God’s law and results in death. Romans 1 lists the sins committed by the Gentiles. The list is quite lengthy starting with rejecting the knowledge of God and His word.

“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, 21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.” (Romans 1:18-21).

There you have it. God is diverse in condemning all those who suppress the truth in unrighteousness. It doesn’t matter what the sin is and there are many diverse sins mentioned in the Bible. They all are treated equitably, that is those who practice them will be condemned.

In 1 Corinthians 6, Paul writes, “Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, 10 nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God.” (1 Corinthians 6:9-10). It does not matter how society, governments, corporations, even religious organizations, define sin or how they treat it. Back to Romans 2, we see that the Jews were condemned because they were sinners. The sins were different, but their unrighteous acts were still sinful. Then Romans 3 reads, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” (Romans 3:23). God is very much inclusive in condemning sin. He says we are all sinners.

On a more positive side, the Bible also speaks on DEI when it comes to our salvation. Jesus spoke to the religious and the unreligious people around Him.

“As Jesus passed on from there, He saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax office. And He said to him, "Follow Me." So, he arose and followed Him. 10 Now it happened, as Jesus sat at the table in the house, that behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat down with Him and His disciples. 11 And when the Pharisees saw it, they said to His disciples, "Why does your Teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?" (Matthew 9:9-11).

He came to seek and save the lost, Luke 19.10. Sinners are a diverse group of people. Some are idolaters, others are liars, thieves, drunkards, homosexuals, etc.: Jesus died for all of them, and for you too.

No matter the sin, it can be forgiven. Jesus’ blood was shed on the cross for all. Jesus’ Great Commission says, "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,” (Matthew 28:19). Equity means with fairness and God is fair, He condemns the sinner and saves those who submits to His will. The Gospel is applied to everyone alike.

The very first Gospel sermon recorded in the Book of Acts includes these words, “And it shall come to pass That whoever calls on the name of the LORD Shall be saved.'” (Acts 2:21). Whoever is the inclusive part of the Gospel. As the Apostles went out preaching, they spoke to men and women of different nationalities and races. “For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:26-28, emphasis mine, D.T.).

There you have it. The Bible is a DEI book. It condemns sin no matter your race, culture, or religion. Through Jesus, God provides salvation to all those who will obey the Gospel of Christ.

Dennis Tucker