African Race

Did God Curse The African Race?

The text that many use to suggest that God cursed the black race is Genesis 9:25... And he said, Cursed be Canaan; a servant of servants shall he be unto his brethren.

It is clear from the text that the curse is upon Canaan. Ham's descendants are not limited to Canaan. In fact... the Canaanites were white people. There is no direct nor indirect implication that this was a curse on the black race. As the descendants of Canaan multiplied, they became the focus of God's prophetic judgment that was latter exacted by Israel (Genesis 15:16; 1 Kings 9:20,21). Fortunately, the curse was not greater than grace... Rahab, the harlot, was saved.

Biblically and historically, God's curse is most obvious where idolatry dominates. Idolatry reduces God to a deity that can be manipulated. Idolatry often arises out of conformity to one's environment via... the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life. The sin of idolatry is an attempt to make God in our image. But ultimately, idolatry is an attitude and action of rejection of God and His Word.

Idolatry... (to worship or to invest one's self in it's own self interest) is hated by God because of what it does to humanity. It leaves men condemned in their sin. It is God's will that we know Him and the salvation that His Son Jesus Christ has provided through His shed blood. To reject the Lord Jesus Christ is to remain in a perpetual state of God's curse (John 3:36). It is not worth it when you compare the joy of knowing the Lord Jesus Christ and the forgiveness of sin.

Black people or any other people are cursed for their ignorance of God's Word... and/or ignoring God's Word. The greatest of all curses was passed down by Adam to all races (1 Corinthians 15:22) and can only find deliverance in Christ Jesus.

Sincerely, Dr. Arthur Belanger

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