New Reminders: Unbiased

We all like to think that we have no biases, but we all do.  We might not recognize them as such.  We might call them beliefs, opinions, ideas, or facts but never think of them as prejudices or bigotries. Yet most of us are predisposed to think discriminately.  That in itself is not necessarily a bad thing. We all need to think critically and act on well-reasoned data.  It only becomes a problem when we base our thoughts and actions on faulty information or flawed reasoning.

A bias can be both intentional and unintentional. Some biases can be deeply harmful or hurtful to others and are the kinds of biases we need to become aware of and to be careful not to act upon.  It is too easy for any of us to make snap assessments that are actually contrary to our own firmly held beliefs and stated values.  It most often happens when we are caught off guard and act without thinking.  We judge people on the basis of preconceived notions about such things as cleanliness, station in life, manner of dress, etc. without thinking through what might have happened to cause the person to look the way they do.

I remember reading a story about a congregation that was eagerly awaiting their new pastor and were excited about seeing the person who would be doing his first sermon at the church that Sunday.  People were busy looking around hoping to get their first glimpse of the new pastor, but no one had yet spotted him as they filed into the church.  They took their usual places and sat expectantly as the time for the service to begin grew near.  They were hoping to make a good impression so that the pastor who had been reported to be an outstanding speaker would be happy to be there.  They realized that the new pastor must be staying out of sight on purpose to surprise them, and surprise them he did.

He had slipped into the church and sat in the back with his head down.  He was dressed as a homeless person, with long, unkept hair and dirty clothing.  Some people had seen him, but no one approached him and no one spoke to him or asked him to sit with them.  When he got up to speak, two ushers rose as if to stop him, but before they could do so, he ripped off his disguise and revealed himself as their new pastor.  Everyone immediately realized their mistake and were self-convicted of biases they had not previously realized they unconsciously held.

The bible is very clear on this point. James 2:1-26 puts it this way: “My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. For if a man wearing a gold ring and fine clothing comes into your assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in, and if you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, “You sit here in a good place,” while you say to the poor man, “You stand over there,” or, “Sit down at my feet,” have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? Listen, my beloved brothers, has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him?” Yet, we can all envision ourselves reacting much the same as the people in either of the illustrations above.