Doubling Down on Love

What does it look like to follow the Way of Christ in a time of socio-political upheaval, when there are such deep, partisan divides that seem irreconcilable?  We are witnessing unnecessary and horrific violence on the streets of American cities. People are watching the same video footage of this violence and somehow reaching exact opposite conclusions about what happened. Political affiliation seems more determinative of opinion than empirical evidence.  Political leaders and commentators intentionally pit us against each other because it gets them more attention, more “clicks”, and more money. The deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti have added more fuel to an already raging fire. What is the appropriate Christian response to these realities?

Jesus also lived in a time of socio-political upheaval. He was crucified largely because he was perceived by those in power as a threat to the status quo.  Although he did not respond to violence with violence, he refused to acquiesce to the dynamics of domination that pitted people against each other to maintain control and hold onto power. He insisted on treating everyone as worthy of dignity, respect, and loving-kindness, especially those who had been deemed unworthy and cast aside.  He welcomed the stranger, healed the sick, and prioritized the well-being of women and children. He extended love to those who had been told they were unlovable. 

Jesus also did not refrain from calling out the powers that be, both political and religious, when they engaged in oppressive machinations.  He was an activist who unapologetically stood up for those being oppressed by systemic injustice, but he did not do so through retributive violence (except perhaps when he overturned the money tables in the temple). For all of this he was arrested and executed as a political criminal.  But as we know, that was not the end of his story. Violence and death did not have the final word.  In the end, Love won!  In the end, Love wins! But not before confronting, fighting against, and seemingly being defeated by those who wield power through violence and domination.

In response to recent events in Minneapolis, Bishop Craig Loya, bishop of Minnesota, wrote the following:

“We must not give in to despair.  We must not be consumed by the very justified anger we feel. The only way hatred can be effectively resisted is by doubling down on love. The only way darkness can be defeated is light. The only way forces of death can be overcome is by embracing, every moment of every day, God’s unstoppable life.” 

And to that I say, “Amen!”   

Yours in Christ,

Kevin+