CIVIL UNREST AND CIVILITY

 When channeled properly, civil unrest can serve as a powerful force for positive change and progress in society. History has shown that many significant advancements in civil rights, labor rights, women's rights, and other social justice causes have been achieved as a result of grassroots activism, protest movements, and collective struggle against oppression and injustice.

Civil unrest has the power to mobilize communities and galvanize collective action around common causes and grievances. This kind of mobilization can draw attention to injustices, inequalities and human rights violations that may have been overlooked or ignored by persons in power. Civil unrest provides a platform to exert pressure on government institutions, corporations, and other power structures to address the demands and grievances of the people. Protests, strikes, and boycotts can disrupt business as usual and compel decision-makers to listen to the concerns of marginalized communities and take meaningful action to address them.

Unfortunately, many have abused these legitimate avenues to protest, to cause mayhem. They have engaged in violence, social disorder and destruction of property, under the guise of utilizing their right to protest. Such disgusting behaviors must be discouraged. Perpetrators must suffer the consequences of such illegal actions. So often, the reaction exceeds the aggrieved action.

For this reason, many Christians are afraid to pursue advocacy. We understand our mandate to be salt and light in the world, but we fear partnerships with persons who do not share our worldview. Throughout the Bible, prophets often challenged unjust systems and rulers, advocating for the marginalized and oppressed. Many of the Old Testament prophets condemned corruption, exploitation and oppression. Like Jonah, some called on non-Jewish nations to repent. Some Christians even argue that the principles of justice, righteousness, and compassion found in the Bible can justify forms of civil disobedience or protest in response to oppression, while others may emphasize nonviolent resistance or peaceful means of advocacy and change.

The Bible encourages believers to speak up for the oppressed, to pursue justice, and to care for the marginalized and vulnerable. In the Old Testament, there are numerous passages that emphasize the importance of social justice. For instance, in Isaiah we read, "Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow" (Isaiah 1:17).

In the New Testament, Jesus himself speaks out against injustice and advocates for the poor and marginalized. At times he spoke about giving to the less fortunate and defending the vulnerable. His harshest words were directed to leaders who abused privilege and neglected justice. Some of these abusers accused Jesus of associating with outcasts and the less fortunate. It was in response to one of those encounters, Jesus said, “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost” (Luke 19:10).

 

History confirms that Roman Emperors in the early centuries were not sympathetic with persons who shared Christian views. The political system did not entertain public descent. Christians were persecuted and many martyred for Christ. Christians displayed their disgust for the opposition by their faithfulness to Jesus Christ. Augustine of Hippo, citing Tertullian, said, “The martyrs were bound, imprisoned, scourged, racked, burnt, rent, butchered—and they multiplied”.

 

Thankfully, we no longer live under the strictures of the Roman Empire. Our laws allow civil protest. Non-violent advocacy is allowed. Such demonstrations get the attention of governments. For instance, following decades of protests, women in the United States earned the right to vote in 1920. Rev. Dr Martin Luther King Jr. used Scripture and Christian principles to speak out against racism and violence in the 1960s and helped lead the way for new anti-segregation laws to be passed. William Wilberforce, a British parliamentarian, was convicted by his faith to introduce a bill to abolish slavery in 1793. It didn’t pass, but he persevered until 1807 when he was finally successful.

 

Earlier in this blog, I referred to Jesus calling his followers salt and light. Both items, although less in volume than the surrounding environment, were sufficiently powerful to make a difference. Salt preserved, delayed corruption and brought flavor. Light dispelled darkness and the accompanying fears. Similarly, as Christians, although often fewer in number, we have the potential to make significant differences in the world. In making a difference, we must be sure that our methods of protesting are not as egregious as the grievances.