Are white supremacists considered Christian?

Definition of White Supremacy and Its Claims

White supremacy generally refers to the belief or teaching that individuals of European descent, or those considered "white," are inherently superior to people of other ethnicities. Proponents often advocate social and political dominance of a particular race. Such claims have been put forward across various historical situations, though they are frequently contradicted by societal, scientific, and spiritual evidence.

In contrast, the biblical narrative presents every human being as made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27), emphasizing the intrinsic worth and equal dignity of all people. This baseline teaching directly clashes with any ideology asserting the supremacy of one racial group over another.

Biblical Teaching on Equality and Unity

Scripture consistently affirms that believers are unified in Christ, regardless of ethnic or social distinctions. Galatians 3:28 declares, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” This text underscores that, in God’s design, ethnicity does not bestow spiritual preeminence.

Acts 17:26 asserts: “From one man He made every nation of men to inhabit the whole earth.” This shared origin implies the brotherhood of all humankind. Similarly, James 2:1,9 warns against partiality: “My brothers, as you hold out your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, do not show favoritism… if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors.”

The First and Second Greatest Commandments

Jesus taught that the greatest commandments are to love God with all one’s heart, soul, and mind, and to love one’s neighbor as oneself (cf. Matthew 22:37–39). White supremacist ideologies promote an attitude of supremacy—often leading to hatred or disdain for others—contravening the obligation to love all neighbors. First John 4:20 intensifies the point: “If anyone says, ‘I love God,’ but hates his brother, he is a liar.”

Historical Examples of Ethnic Inclusion in Scripture

The biblical records include instances displaying profound ethnic diversity within the community of faith. In the Old Testament, Ruth, a Moabite, became part of the lineage of King David (Ruth 4:13–22), illustrating the embrace of a foreigner into Israel’s covenant community. In the New Testament, the church’s earliest gatherings in Acts 2 join believers from multiple ethnic backgrounds on the day of Pentecost. This multi-ethnic unity reflects the biblical principle that God does not show favoritism (Acts 10:34–35).

Christian Identity vs. Ideological Claims

A Christian, by scriptural definition, is someone who has repented of sin and placed faith in Christ’s death and resurrection (Romans 10:9–10). This spiritual transformation is evidenced by obedience to Jesus’s teachings, love for one another, and growth in holiness (John 14:15; 1 John 3:14–16). The Scriptures consistently condemn hostility toward others, especially on the basis of ethnicity or heritage.

White supremacists, if holding firmly to notions of racial dominance, directly contradict these biblical commands to practice impartial love. Though individuals may claim to be Christian, sound evaluation considers alignment with biblical tenets. Jesus warned about those who call Him “Lord” yet do not do what He commands (Luke 6:46).

Church History and Counterfeit Doctrines

Throughout history, some have misused Scripture to justify racially motivated teachings. These are often isolated from the broader orthodox consensus of the church and contradicted by mainstream translations and original language studies of biblical texts. Textual evidence from a broad manuscript tradition—such as the Greek papyri and codices—confirms that key passages condemning partiality remain intact. Scholars have demonstrated that the original biblical text consistently upholds the unity and dignity of humanity.

Additionally, archaeological and historical data illustrating the cultural diversity of early Christianity—such as ancient church inscriptions and writings from the first few centuries—support the biblical emphasis on reconciling different people groups under the Lordship of Christ.

Are White Supremacists Considered Christian?

Based on scriptural authority, any ideology marked by racial hatred or a sense of racial supremacy is incompatible with the character and teachings of Jesus. While an individual’s ultimate standing with God is a matter of the heart—known fully only to the Lord—white supremacist beliefs cannot be reconciled with the clear biblical commands to love one’s neighbor without partiality.

A person professing faith in Christ yet persistently clinging to beliefs that deny the equal worth of all people denies the biblical call to repentance and transformation (Romans 12:2). Consequently, white supremacist ideology stands in direct conflict with Christianity’s foundational doctrines of love, unity, and redemption available to “every tribe and tongue and people and nation” (Revelation 5:9).

Conclusion

White supremacy contradicts the central tenets of biblical teaching: the image of God in every person, the unity of all believers in Christ, and the command to love one’s neighbor as oneself. Anyone claiming Christianity while actively embracing racial supremacy exemplifies a worldview at odds with Scripture. The biblical witness, as verified by manuscript evidence and early Christian practice, testifies to God’s impartial love for all peoples, leaving no space for racist beliefs or actions within the framework of authentic Christian faith.