Sexism, unequal treatment of either gender, is another major form of bias. It can be both be a prejudice (which is often against the female gender) and discrimination in which a person's gender affects them. This discrimination according to gender has been highlighted in recent decades and is very much on the decline, yet the presence of the prejudice in this case can be questioned. The Church itself has sometimes been seen as sexist, for women are not permitted to hold any positions of power such as be women priests.
Discrimination on the basis of disability, age, social status, criminal background, financial background, social background, preconceived prejudices and many other factors and issues have been present throughout history and are present in the world today. Such issues may seem insignificant but such prejudice is the cause of much discrimination.
Christianity and its teachings disapproves of prejudice and discrimination in general. Most Christians would argue that all people are created in the image of God (examining Genesis 1.27) and that all people are created equal in Christianity. These people may look to the Bible and passages such as Paul's letter to the Galatians which states "There is no difference between Jews and Gentiles, between slaves and free people, between men and women: you are all in union with Jesus Christ", (Galatians 3.28). This passage states that there is no human(itarian) or moral difference between those who are different. In this extract a mention of gender is made, stating that there is no difference between man and woman, this reflects the non-prejudiced view that Jesus and Christianity teach. Christianity, primarily through Jesus Christ, teaches that discrimination is a violation of God's will; especially more prominent forms like sexism and racism. Christianity teaches that there is no valid objective for prejudice, that it breeds hate and fear and that people should love their neighbour, if we look at the extract Mark 12.31 in the Bible - the morality of prejudice and reasons for it are wrong, corrupt and evil according to Christianity. Let us begin by looking at some more examples and extracts from the Bible in which Jesus Christ; and the Christian faith; clearly disagrees with and opposes any form of prejudice and discrimination by action or by the teachings.
John 4: 4-42 is an extract about Jesus and the Samaritan woman. Here Jesus speaks to a social outcast woman at the well. Jesus speaks to her and reveals to her that he is the Messiah, "I who speak to you am he." The fact that Jesus even speaks to a Samaritan would have been shocking at the time (especially to Jews), but he speaks to a woman and at this point in the Bible is the first time Jesus reveals to another person that he is the Messiah. This all distinctly shows the absence of prejudice Jesus has for people on the grounds of race, gender or social status. Especially in this case, for he did not care that he was talking to a Samaritan woman and he chooses to reveal to her of who he is. The following quotation implies that the worship of God will eradicate all barriers, all people - Jews, Gentile, Samaritan alike - will unify in worship of God.
"But the time is coming and is already here, when by the power of God's Spirit people will worship the Father as he really is...." (v23)
Jesus' attitude towards women was a very balanced nature. He definitely holds no prejudice against women. Some of Jesus' closest companions were women as well, Mary Magdelene, a former prostitute, was one of them and it is significant to note that she was the first person in the Bible to see the resurrected Christ.
Luke 10:25-37 is an extract on the parable of the good Samaritan. The Samaritan acts as a good neighbour to the Jew, regardless of the difference between them. The important commandment of loving your neighbour as yourself is stressed here by Jesus. Jesus, through the parable, shows people to not regard those who are different as worse or lower.
Another passage we can examine is Matthew 7: 1-5, about the Sermon on the Mount. This also shows the refusal of prejudice Christianity holds. This extract from the Bible is about not judging others and you will not be judged. It highlights the importance of not being too critical of others; and it is not man's place to judge (man has no right here), but God's.
Jesus differed from and opposed much of the prejudice present in his time by his actions. He helped and healed lepers and those with illness, and he mixed with "prostitutes and sinners" including tax collectors. Jesus did not consider another person in a prejudiced manner, he saw people as equals and he believed that no person is any better or worse than another, regardless.
As mentioned, church teachings also help in the anti-prejudiced nature of Christianity. This attitude is supported by statements from Church leaders, such as George Carey the Archbishop of Canterbury - in this case prejudice and discrimination in the form of racism:
"Racism has no part in the Christian Gospel. It contradicts our Lord's command to love our neighbours as ourselves. It offends the fundamental Christian belief that every person is made in the image of God and is equally precious. It solves no problems and creates nothing but hatred and fear."
This perspective on prejudice and discrimination by the Church correspond and combine with the teachings in the Bible and fundamentals of Christianity to be very much against ideas and actions of prejudice and discrimination.
So, many Christians would try to adhere to the teachings from the Bible and Jesus and follow unprejudiced behaviour as set by the examples and as approved by the nature and faith of Christianity. It is the aim of most Christian's to imitate Jesus, who in the parable of the Good Samaritan says: "Go and do likewise," (Luke 10.37). Christianity teaches that all people should be treated as equals and there are many examples to learn from and follow. A Christian should not hold any prejudice and should not discriminate against people just because differences exist.