As I wrote yesterday, my wife and I were involved in the peaceful protest last Saturday on 5th Street Highway. We stood there with over 2000 others – in the rain – reminding the world that America was born with the promise that democracy, and that the rule of law governs us, not a person or party or religious ideology. And while some of the protestors chanted silly things – at least to me – like “not my president” and “Trump must go” – most of us held signs and flags and exercised our Constitutional right to assemble. Some of the internet groups I am part of had a number of people voicing their disapproval; Christians, a number of them wrote, should not rebel against God’s chosen leaders. To which I replied, “Did you say that about Pres. Obama and Pres. Biden? If not, you are a hypocrite.”
In the past, I have had church members say that Americans shouldn’t complain about the government, since they are elected by the will of the people. Again, an erroneous idea. This country was created out of protest against unfair taxation without representation. The idea that we should have a say in how our money is spent and how much is used is an old and cherished idea. This discussion continues today, and we are all given the right to protest, even though our perspective might not win. At the very center of who I am; as a Christian and an American, I am free to speak out against that which I believe is wrong.
Violence, however, is not a right. And yes, I know all about the Revolutionary War. To create a more perfect union, however, violence will only bring about more repression, and it will give the oppressor justification to bring the hammer down on protestors. We will be at more protests, I think, speaking against injustice peacefully. Our faith calls us to do this; to speak up for the rights of all, not just ourselves. Religion that tries to control others is not God-given; it is a perversion. The same with government. Speak up! It is your right.
Prayer – Holy God, You have called us to speak against oppression and for justice – give us courage and strength to do so. Amen. Today’s art is by Keith Harrington, who grew up just up the road in Kutztown, PA