Rhetoric Race and Religion
by Renita Marie
R3 Contributor
First published at the Holy Week of Resistance
I never really imagined myself as a protester before Ferguson. Oh, sure I could always be counted on to make some noise about issues and press for progress—but hold a sign, chant or march? Well, I just never considered it.
When I stood on the street in Ferguson, I had an overwhelming sense of being in the presence of evil. We were under siege by what Paul called in Ephesians 6:10 “principalities and powers and rulers of wickedness in high places.”
On the streets we were met with the symbols of the rulers of wickedness: military tanks, riot gear, guns and dogs. The powers created an atmosphere of terror, intentionally causing police and people to fear each other.
Evil was present in full force.
As the people protested the system with chants and jeers the system sent police to protest the people with weapons and power.
I protested Satan.
Jesus protested Satan too.
Jesus protested economic disparities when he multiplied the two fish and five loaves.
Jesus protested religion that exploited the poor when he turned over tables in the temple.
Jesus protested sexism and racism when he spent time with the Samaritan woman at the well.
Jesus protested all forms of evil when he laid down his life for his friends.
“You are my friends if you do what I have commanded you—love one another.”
Show me what theology looks like. THIS is what theology looks like!
In recent months many injustices have been inescapably exposed as young people have demonstrated that they love their own lives and the lives of their generation. They are demanding the right to live in this world without the constant terror of annihilation.
They ripped the hood off our country’s oppressive structure.
Hey, hey! Ho, ho! These racist folks have got to go!
As Holy Week approaches, it is neither the Crucifixion nor the Resurrection that weighs on my spirit—it is the in-between time.
Our scriptures record a story of Jesus plunging into the cavity of the universe where he (depending on interpretation) either fought evil hand to hand or preached liberty to the captives or both. Whatever the case, we skip over Holy Saturday—the in-between time.
We love the story of the cross, from a distance of 2000 years. The cross gives us a sense of peace—we don’t have to suffer the eternal consequences of our temporal sins.
Similarly, we love the story of the Resurrection. The Resurrection gives us a sense of religious elitism—our God is not dead or in any temple made by human hands.
The in-between time story, however causes a fair amount of confusion, nervousness and discomfort. What do we do with that?
We’ve got to fight back! Fight back! Fight back!
Essentially, Christianity was born out of protest against evil. The Faith was defended with a deep and abiding love for humankind.
Sadly, the Church Militant has lost its militant edge. Even though we sing battle songs like “I am on the Battlefield for My Lord” and “I’m a Soldier in the Army of the Lord” “Battle Hymn Republic” and “Onward Christian Soldiers” few preachers approach the topic Spiritual Warfare. This is not so surprising considering many in the pews resist messages that seem “violent.”
People seem to come to church to be comforted and encouraged more so than challenged
and stirred. This, too, is not so surprising. People fight battles daily in their personal life—they count on church being a break from the battle.
It is OUR duty to fight for OUR freedom….
While we are distracted by our individual battles, systemic injustices grow stronger.
Christianity, by design, was about creating a community where like-minded believers cared for each other, encouraged each other and protected each other.
Early believers suffered and died in their protests against evil out of love for us all. Early believers knew that the movement was bigger than they—I wonder if they had any idea that we would remember them throughout history?
Show me what community looks like. THIS is what community looks like
So, here we are approaching yet another Holy Week.
While we commemorate the suffering of Christ on Calvary and rejoice in the Resurrection, we must consider the in-between time.
We are yet in the in-between time—Jesus came and He’s coming again. In this in-between time, we must actively engage in the battle against evil. The role of the Church is to do what Jesus did. Jesus gives us the power and authority to protest evil like he did—and greater.
The injustices of our system are multi-facetted and require a multi-tactical approach. In other words, it takes all of us—there’s something for everyone to do.
How will you protest Satan? How will you spend the in-between time?
More at:
http://www.renitamarie.com
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/pastor-renita-marie-mdiv/
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