Ferguson. Newton. Charleston. Orlando. Dallas. Miami. We are bombarded with so many images of killings and retaliatory murders these days that we no longer remember the victims or details of these events. What used to be a rare and tragic occurrence is now commonplace.
Psalm 11:5 and Malachi 2:16 clearly state that God hates violence. He hates the senseless murders in our nation. Many communities are experiencing growing racial tension; in our own state, we have seen the recent protests in Columbia, Charleston, Clemson and Greenville.
The national conversation, perhaps more heated in an election year, has been angry and despairing. The talking heads lean hard on lazy solutions like gun control, but the real problem lies within. Racism is the result of sin. James 4:1 says that sin is born in the heart. Until the heart problem is dealt with, the problem of racism will never go away.
On July 19, I participated in a live televised event at Fox Carolina called “A Necessary Conversation” regarding the current local and national social climate. The one-hour “panel discussion” ended up being a convoluted event. Most of the questions concerned whether or not all policemen were racist and how one should behave during a routine traffic stop. The three sheriffs and three police chiefs on the panel did a superb job of handling questions and maintaining their composure, especially when verbally attacked by one of two very aggressive panelists.
I was one of two pastors on the panel; our presence was unnecessary. I was only asked one question near the end — a yes/no question about my church’s awareness of a racial divide in our country. I answered that obvious question and then tried to piggyback on a previous question that I found significant. It was difficult to see how anything positive was accomplished in that room.
In the days that followed, I had some time to reflect on the event and to draw some conclusions. First of all, much of our discussion had seemed pointless. While the event I participated in was supposed to “encourage dialogue,” dialogue is only helpful when it moves us in a positive direction. For example, the phrase “black lives matter” has been used to point out institutional racism against African-Americans. Some Christians, upset by the accusation, answer by shouting back, “All lives matter” or “Police lives matter.” Shouting these phrases back and forth does not seem to help anybody, and it certainly does not encourage harmony. It just clarifies which side we are firmly on.
I do not feel offended by the phrase, “Black lives matter,” because they do matter. Scripturally speaking, all people are made in the image of God, so there is truth in that statement. Proponents of that movement are not saying only black lives matter; they are attempting to call attention to perceived injustice. Rather than demean their attempts, I choose to view the phrase the same as I do when I say “God bless America” or “We should protect the unborn.” I am not saying God should only bless America or we should only protect the unborn; I am calling attention to a specific need.
Second, the Body of Christ needs to be self-aware and honest about any racist thoughts or tendencies. I have encountered these. I bet you have, too. We need to examine our hearts and ask God to reveal and help us get rid of any ill-will toward others. King David wrote: “Search me, O God, and know my heart … See if there is any offensive way in me” (Psalm 139:23-24).
Part of that open-hearted examination requires asking God if we have enough love to stop and listen. This age of social media is all about making your voice heard, but it seems like no one is listening! Listening is an act of the will and requires effort. It shows respect and empathy for other people. When we stop and listen, we let others know they are deserving of our attention. The common refrain I heard from panelists at the TV event was that they wanted their voice to be heard. Feeling understood is one of the most basic human desires. If Jesus said that love should be the distinguishing characteristic of His followers, how can we be loving if we are not willing to acknowledge the words and feelings of those who are hurting?
Third, I have come to the conclusion that some people are just going to be angry. It is not about any specific wrongs committed; it is about the identity they have embraced. Some are unwilling to let go of the anger they feel toward others because there is strength in their identity. Even though it robs them of happiness, it defines them and gives them a solid sense of purpose. To let go of this color-coated grudge would mean changing the victim-narrative and releasing the grievances that come with carrying around a “record of wrongs.” Until that happens, we can be certain that more violence and hatred will not solve anything.
Schuyler Peterson is senior pastor of Southside Baptist Church in Spartanburg and treasurer of the 2016 South Carolina Baptist Pastors’ Conference.