According to recent research, our brains go to the path of least resistance when we engage people who are unlike us. We perceive anyone different from us as a threat. In other words, we all have preferences and even prejudices. The Bible says that in our fallenness, we sinfully show partiality toward people who resemble us; we play favorites. According to Rodger Woodworth, overcoming our prejudices and bridging the cultural divide is the result of living out the gospel.
Dr. Rodger Woodworth was the founding pastor of two interracial churches, an adjunct seminary professor, and was the Director of Cross-Cultural Ministries for CCO (Coalition for Christian Outreach). He has a Doctorate of Ministry in Complex Urban Settings, served on the Board of Directors for several Pittsburgh ministries, and is the author of the new book, Playing Favorites: Overcoming Our Prejudices to Bridge the Cultural Divide (Wipf & Stock, 2021).