What Is Prejudice?

Answer: Prejudice is basically pre-judgment. According to the Random House College Dictionary prejudice is: "An unfavorable opinion or feeling formed beforehand or without knowledge, thought or reason" (pg. 1046). Prejudice is not forming an unfavorable position after having considered all the pertinent facts (common use today). Every time the action or presence of prejudice is mentioned in the Bible it is condemned (cf. Prov. 18: 13; Matt. 13: 14; Acts 22: 22; 7: 57).

Biblical facts concerning prejudice. Prejudice (forming a conclusion without having the facts) often produces unjustified alarm (Ex. 1: 9, 10). Prejudice results in spiritual blindness and ignorance (2 Cor. 3: 14). Prejudice can produce religious fanaticism (Lk. 7: 36-39).

What produces prejudice? The causes of prejudice are many. Apathy or laziness to obtain the facts causes prejudice (cf. 17: 32). Fear can cause people to close their minds (Jn. 9: 18-23). Pride is a common producer of prejudice, some would rather not know than have to admit error (Acts 7: 57). Willful ignorance is also a common cause of prejudice (2 Pet. 3: 5).

Remedy for prejudice. Christ-likeness is a cure for prejudice because Christ never exhibited prejudice (cf. Phili. 2: 5). repentance will end prejudice (2 Cor 7: 10, 11). If one has a love for the truth, they will not possess prejudice (2 Thess. 2: 10-12). Paul’s exhortation to "prove all things" will eliminate prejudice (I Thess. 5: 21).

We must be open minded and willing to investigate (Acts 17: 11). However, we must use the right standard to determine right and wrong (Ibid.). Always study God’s word for the purpose of making application. We will hold some things to be true, some to be false - but our position will be based on fact not prejudice!