After the Decision in Ferguson, White Evangelical Christians Need to Do a Lot Less Talking and a Lot More Listening.

The heart of the black community in America was broken last night. The offense was not just a Missouri grand jury’s decision with which many disagreed, but the way in which the decision was handled. The multiple points of trust being broken down over and over and over again. The supposedly secret grand jury testimony being leaked in order to bias the public toward Officer Darren Wilson and against Michael Brown. The release of a sensitive ruling late at night when less law-abiding elements would be out and about. (Did authorities want a violent crowd so they could say, “I told you so?” The timing of the announcement seemed planned to stoke the fires of unrest rather than calm them–a consistent theme throughout the handling of this case.)

The offenses continued as the announcement was made. The St. Louis County prosecutor, Robert McCulloch, announced the decision and argued for the defense rather than for the people. His tone was laden with paternalism, chastising witnesses, the public, and the media rather than acknowledging that protestors have had some legitimate points. And then some conservative Christians went online and lambasted the black community for being upset; this contingent recast the looters as representing the entire company of protesters. Christians (and others) made easy, dismissive statements.

Instead of helping to bind up wounds, many from the white, Christian community stood to the side and, loving the sound of their own voices, gave a tone-deaf running commentary on what had caused the bleeding and how much blood was being lost. I was appalled by those who engaged in such conduct.

But the good news was, in the midst of the clouds of white privilege and darkness and insular self-focus and violence and despair, there were little rays of light and hope shining down. I want to share some of these rays of hope with you. Sometimes the internet makes me want to hide under a rock because it does reflect the attitudes that are out there in society. The lack of listening and the pontificating and the arrogance are just too much.

But there are places where Christians (and, yes, others too) are shining a light in the darkness.

Now, just because there is some light and some hope does not mean we all get to throw up our hands and say, “See? Christians are nice! Job done!” No, these rays of light should spur us on to work even more for justice and peace. They should prompt us even more to love our neighbor enough to listen to him and to value her as much as we value ourselves.

Thank God for these voices who help us to get our heads out of our own navels!

The uncommon grace of grieving parents

Lesley McSpadden and Michael Brown, Sr., the parents of Michael Brown and the most wronged parties here, found it in their hearts to beg protesters to disavow violence and to instead work for constructive change. Could we be so courageous and take such leadership in our darkest hour?

The Brown family has not been perfect. There is cell phone video of McSpadden’s husband inciting the crowd last night, but what we hear from her is simply the grieving of a broken-hearted mother. Surely she must be almost incoherent with grief, but she is still trying to help keep calm. This is more than any grieving mother should have to worry about! She should be able to yell and rant and rave and not worry about the consequences. But she is trying to exercise restraint and leadership. I think that’s courageous.

The Gospel Coalition’s contribution to dialogue

It is sad to say that denial of white privilege has been part and parcel of conservative Christianity in America for a long time. That is beginning to change in some parts of evangelicalism, thanks be to God. The Gospel Coalition just posted an amazing roundtable discussion where whites and blacks shared their stories and listened to each other. Everything didn’t get solved in one discussion, but what this video did do was model for conservative Christians what interracial dialogue should look like. It also made the important acknowledgement that white privilege is not something liberals made up. It is an actual serious issue in this country. We need to start listening not just to the experiences of the majority race, but also–and especially–to the experiences of minorities. And we need to pray for and love everybody. I’m so grateful for The Gospel Coalition’s leadership on this.

Jen Hatmaker’s passionate cry for justice

Jen Hatmaker is a popular Bible teacher and writer, well-known particularly in mommy blogger circles. She is an evangelical with a passionate heart for justice too. When I read her writing, I usually just about nod my head off. Last night, Jen posted several thoughtful, compassionate remarks. Here’s one:

This is one of those crossroads moments, guys. When an entire community, millions, mamas and daddies and kids and ordinary folks are all crying out, saying THIS IS WHAT IT IS LIKE FOR US, WHAT IT HAS ALWAYS BEEN LIKE…THIS IS HOW WE HAVE HAD TO PARENT OUR SONS, THIS IS WHAT HAS ACTUALLY HAPPENED TO US… Anyone who is not black should listen. We just should… (read more)

Lecrae’s words of leadership and insight

I don’t know if I read anything more insightful than Christian hip hop artist Lecrae’s remarks. Sadly, he did get some push back, but he was right on:

Sometimes I wonder how we get so up in arms and culturally empathetic with people in other countries. But can’t do that in our own backyard. We rushed to Haiti. We Adopt in Asia. We empathize with Africa. But struggle to humanize our struggles here in the states. Some people are responding out of hurt and are met with smug responses. If I tell you my brother got killed in a gang war, would you tell me “That’s what he gets! Shouldn’t be gang banging!” Of course not.

As a Christian I see a Jesus empathize with the MOST undeserving people ever. He offers a thief on the cross a home in Paradise. He dies for a rioting mob of angry killers. He looks upon a sinful world with compassion. And here we stand saying we believe that and all the while unfazed at the pain of a community… (read more)

photo credit: Mike Licht, NotionsCapital.com via photopin cc