TOPIC: “Stereotypes”
Ask family members to talk about what the word “stereotype” means.
Have one member of the family read each scripture and then share the notes below them and add anything else you want to add to it.
Philippians 4:15-16 NKJV
Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only. For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities.
1 Kings 5:6 NKJV
Now therefore, command that they cut down cedars for me from Lebanon; and my servants will be with your servants, and I will pay you wages for your servants according to whatever you say. For you know there is none among us who has skill to cut timber like the Sidonians.
Titus 1:12 NKJV
One of them, a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.”
Notes
In each of these passages we see examples of stereotypes – examples of how groups of people had a reputation, or things they were known for.
The Philippians – their giving
The Sidonians – their skill in cutting down trees for lumber
The Cretans – their evil behavior, laziness, lying and overeating
Every group we are a part of is stereotyped in some way. It doesn’t mean they all do the same thing but certain things are prevalent in that group.
February is Black History month in the US. Accomplishments of African Americans will be highlighted. Significant black figures will be talked about.
What are some of the stereotypes of African Americans – good or bad?
(For African-American families): Ask your family members if their actions are contributing to the positive or negative stereotypes of African-Americans.
(For other ethnicities or nationalities): What kinds of stereotypes exist for your ethnic group or nation? Are your actions contributing to the positive or negative stereotypes?Have family members talk about other groups they are a part of – family, church, city, state, country, etc.
Discuss the most important group we are a part of – The Kingdom of God.
Talk about how important it is to help create a positive image of every group we are a part of, but especially the Kingdom of God or the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ. According to 2 Corinthians 5:20a, we represent Christ.
“Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ…” NKJV