Christmas, Scott Eizember, Christian Nationalism and False Promises of Peace
Just a few short weeks ago, I participated in the clemency hearing of Scott Eizember. Seated at the front of the room, I declared that it is always going to be evil to kill a child of God. Without hesitation, I declared, “Where is God at in a process such as this?” Seeing that Scott’s lawyers and I went first, my remarks served to change some of the tone of the hearing thereafter. Of course, there were all of the traditional arguments that were going to be made anyways…but there was something else that reared its’ ugly head…the idea that God was involved in…even guiding…a process that would lead to Scott’s righteous execution. One of the original prosecutors that tried the case stated that God was present in his argument because God had always been present in our democracy. Of those who have been enslaved and eradicated by our government might disagree. In addition to such a wild argument, multiple family members of the victims…the Cantrells…made the argument that Scott’s execution was the only means by which God could bring them peace. Bad theology always brings about bad consequences…but bad theology when someone’s life is on the line can be deadly.
Christian nationalism is not just heresy…it is the epitome of dumbassticity. How in the world could a nation that eradicates, enslaves and oppresses people throughout its’ history be considered the standard bearer of God’s will? Our democracy is not a divine construct…it is made up of people and it is only as good as the people who make it up…which throughout our history has often been suspect. God is not a citizen of these United States. God is holy…and one of the holiest attributes of God is love. I don’t see how executing Scott has anything to do with love. Contrary to what the idiot prosecutor argued in the clemency hearing…God will not be the one executing Scott…we will be…including those of us who feel that our only option to resist is to try to make an evil system better. I’ve always believed that God is with those who stand against evil. Isn’t killing somebody always going to be evil?
As I listened to the harsh words of the Cantrells, I was reminded of the words of Christ, “You shout ‘Peace!’ ‘Peace’ and there is no peace.” You see, they kept repeating variations of the phrase, “We’ll finally be at peace when Scott Eizember is dead.” Honestly, I couldn’t believe that they had let Scott maintain that level of power and control over them. Do they honestly think that killing Scott is going to get him out of their head? I doubt it. If he has lived there rent free for decades, I don’t think he’s going to be moving out just because he’s dead. Beyond the purely illogical nature of such a statement, it also reveals a really problematic understanding of God. You see, the peace of God exists beyond our circumstances. The one who has true peace…the peace of God…is not dependent on anything else for that peace. If you desire the death of another human…you desire it for your own reasons/purposes…not for God’s. I suspect that the Cantrells have two words mixed up…peace and vengeance. The death of Scott Eizember might bring the vengeance that they long for…but it sure as hell ain’t going to bring about no peace.
In the days ahead…before Scott Eizember is likely executed on January 12…we will celebrate Christmas. Think back to Bethlehem. Think back to the manger. The baby brought peace. The angels declared as much. Why then have we turned the incarnation of God into a monster that carries out our vengeance?
Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In