Weblog Entry - 03/27/2003: "Protest?"

03/27/2003 Entry: "Protest?"

What are your thoughts on protesting and faith?
What do you do with the more reasonable voices of protest? Should the church ever protest? If so, what should we protest for? What tactics should be used? Who should we be willing to join our voices with politically? The church has an ethic of stewardship -- is it fair to join a GreenPeace rally? The church believes in human rights for all - is it fair to join an Amnesty International letter writing campaign? How far is to far? What would you be willing to protest and how?

I'm hardly a regular protester, but I do believe that it is right that Christians, as Christians, should join in political protests. Whether it's about war, trade, asylum or any one of a wide range of issues I think it is important that Christians make their voice heard. Of course, they need to remember that their's is not the only Christian voice. Followers of Jesus will be found, for example, at both pro- and anti-war demonstrations. In the specific instances quoted I'd say, yes a GreenPeace rally is an appropriate place for a Christian to be. Writing letters for Amnesty International is another entirely legitimate form of Christian protest. Whatever the issue involved, protest should always be conducted in a spirit of respect for others and without violence or intimidation. But protest is a part of the political process in the West; it is vital that Christians are engaged in that process.

Replies:

Hmmm. The question I tend to ask is why aren't you protesting?

People are unique, and we can all find different ways to make our voice heard whatever the issue of cause.There are as many different forms of protest as there are problems to deal with in society.

The point to me is living life as salt and light, not as a lump of flesh in a comfortable pew.

I understand not everyone believes that, but it doesn't hurt to encourage them to think about this.

Posted by Bene Diction @ 03/28/2003 07:53 PM CST

I have been interested in christians (and others) who protest. I marched in the peace marches and got a huge range of reactions from my Christian and non-Christian friends.

Plus at least where I am there seems to be a trend to undermine protesters by stereotyping them as ragged, unemployed hippies or roustabouts that are against everything and don't know why. Maybe a formal church presence at protests undermines that undermining.

Posted by dan @ 03/28/2003 05:26 AM CST

Richard,

I think you're right. Individual Christians can and should protest. The challenges of protesting in the church's name can be a bit sticky.

John

Posted by john wilkins @ 03/27/2003 10:29 PM CST

I don't feel that you can separate out faith from social conscience, social justice etc, and that DOES involve us in a call to action. I don't think I could call myself Xn with a clear conscience and NOT do something about this sort of thing.

Even if that action doesn't involve getting out on the streets and demonstrating in every case, by being involved in a march, or writing a letter, or signing a petition, I can do my bit however small towards righting some of the wrongs.

Perhaps GP has a point in saying it could go too far, and churches may be right to be wary of endorsing too much direct action if it turns violent - but joining demos and protests so long as they're peaceful and legal shouldn't be a problem; as for letter writing I can't see any objection at all to that, it's something simple everyone can do and it can make so much difference!

If we're worried about stirring, being too radical, challenging the expected norms of our culture and society, we're not rising to the Gospel challenge. Jesus was radical, Jesus challenged society's expectations, Jesus told us to keep trying to create His kingdom on earth - that kingdom doesn't include poverty, racism, inhumanity, torture, war, pollution etc, so I don't think Christians should shy away from saying so and doing what we can to stand up to them.

That turned out longer than expected... sorry for bit of a rant!

alicex

Posted by alice @ 03/27/2003 07:07 PM CST

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