I rarely touch anything that could be construed as a controversial topic, political debate, or current event in general, not just here, but in all my interactions. Most of the arguments I’ve come across are just that – arguments, especially on the internet. There’s no real effort to convince or persuade, and most are not crafted with the intention of raising well-considered viewpoints or conveying a logical thought process. Rather, it’s a matter of shouting over all the other “noise” (by which I mean conflicting viewpoints), because somehow being loudest apparently equates to being right. None of that is really beneficial in my book. But I digress. The entire point of that is to say that it is with some trepidation and reluctance that I start writing today.
In the wake of recent events across the country – and by recent, I don’t mean the last week, but really the last few years at minimum – I am appalled at the vitriol and personal condemnation that is gushing forth – not just in general, but specifically from the church – onto those who have been injured or killed, particularly by members of the police force. I’ve heard and seen over and over again, in response to whatever the most recent death happens to be – and I use that phrase not dismissively, as though each death is unimportant, but because it’s applicable to just about every single instance – comments such as “well, (s)he was high”, “you know (s)he was really a criminal”, “(s)he robbed somebody”, “did (s)he have any active warrants?”, “was (s)he a drug dealer?”, etc. Truly the list of judgment goes on and on, as though having engaged in any criminal behavior is tantamount to waiving one’s right to due process in the judiciary system that was designed and instituted to punish, in a humane and generally non-lethal manner, such infractions.
In many ways, there’s quite a parallel seen in common responses – hopefully becoming less common, as organizations support victims and educate the public – to a sexual assault. More often than not, at some point along the line, the critical questions and comments will come: “What was she wearing?” “Did she flirt with him?” “Why was she walking in that place at that time?” “she must have led him on” etc as though wearing revealing clothing, flirting with someone, or walking somewhere is tantamount to waiving one’s right to be treated with dignity and to have control over one’s body.
Again, I am not here to criticize law enforcement or engage in debates over how a situation should or should not have been handled in the moment, when boots are on the ground and the fan is blowing crap all over the place. What I am saying is that if we claim to be a follower of Jesus Christ, we need to take a hard look at our responses. The church, more than any other organization, people group, or society, should be known for its compassion, lament, and ensuing pressure for change when wrongs prevail. Instead, all too often, some members of the church, including individuals I know personally, earn a well-deserved reputation for judgment, apathy, disinterest, and heartlessness. I can say with a great deal of confidence that is not what Jesus would do, or what Jesus would say, and as followers of Christ, it shouldn’t be what we say or how we respond either. Jesus treated all those whom he encountered with dignity, and while he didn’t whitewash their sins or pretend they were non-existent, he still extended compassion, gentleness, grace, and mercy to them, and treated them as humans. Can we not do the same, even if only with our words?
I do want to say that there are those in the church who have responded with compassion and mercy. Many are not condemning in their comments, and I’m grateful that the leadership of my local congregation are among those who have responded after the example of Christ. Next week, Lord willing, I’ll briefly address what I believe is a part of the driving force behind the harsh questions. Today, though, I challenge you – and myself as well – to truly evaluate the statements we’ve made and the questions we’ve asked, regardless of medium, for Christlikeness, to repent of what requires repentance, and to ask for the Lord’s help in softening our hard hearts and for his continued work in our lives.
I admire your strength and courage to address this. I agree that the church as a whole sometimes condemns the sinner and not the sin. I don’t know why that sometimes we forget the many sins that we have committed that are covered by the grace of God. Of course, no woman, ever, should be mistreated in any way. Our lesson from last evening can be a lesson for the church overall (Philippians 4:5,8-9). We are blessed we a church that has leaders willing and able to live by the example of Christ.