‘A bulwark against racism and prejudice’

Nicholas Hales (Letters, April 29) outlines how one element of the biblical story of Noah may have been used to justify slavery and racism.

Erroneous interpretation or application of the Bible is a peril in every age. The central message of the Bible is one of radical inclusivity and equality: For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. All are invited to receive this offer, and none will be turned away,

who repent and

believe the good news. Pentecost saw diverse and disparate peoples fused into a new community as ‘The-spreading-flame’ growth of the Church commenced. The term describes the meteoric growth of the earliest churches across the Mediterranean Basin and beyond.

That flame still burns across the globe today, with countries like Nepal seeing massive growth of churches. The Bible’s message of equality and inclusivity appeals to people held in chains, by traditional systems based on colour or class or caste.

Visionary leaders like William Wilberforce (1759-1833) and Martin Luther King (1929-1968) were prophetically motivated by their faith.

Martin Luther King was inspired by words from the Biblical prophet Amos: “But let justice roll down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream.” Humans made in the image of God, and individually stamped with a unique special dignity, is a bulwark against racism and prejudice.

J T Hardy