Editors note: this posting contains passages from two different Bible translations: the familiar NRSVP and the new translation The Message: The Bible in Contemporary Language, translated by Eugene H. Peterson. I am using both as a way to remind us of the familiar words and to present them also in a new way.
On Being A Holy Disrupter
By Graham Campbell
“Do you know what I want?
I want justice—oceans of it.
I want fairness—rivers of it.
That is all I want.”
Amos 5:24 The message: The Bible in Contemporary Language.
Translated by Eugene H. Peterson
(And now in more familiar language)
“But let justice roll down like waters,
And righteousness like an ever
Flowing Stream.”
Amos 5;24 NRSV
So, along with several thousand ‘Worcesterites’ and up to seven million Americans, FBC stood up and out (See blog #20 June 6.) We had a contingent of approximately 15 people at NO KINGS DAY on October 18th.
We stood for our faith and commitments to diversity, welcoming and honesty as Christians. In doing so, we took the Gospel back from the MAGA heresy which it so boldly and falsely proclaims. In doing this, we stood in the middle of our conflicted country. We stood with many allies. We stood in spite of threats of danger and violence which never materialized. All peaceful people were welcomed. In all of my 78 years, I have never been more proud to be a Christian standing for my beliefs. I have gone to many demonstrations over the past 50 years as an individual, but being there as part of our faith community was especially important.
And now the question is What is next?
Truthfully, I don’t know. I only know the struggle is not over. Organizing groups will gradually emerge with their plans. And we will decide how we as Christians can proceed.
What I do know is that I will:
1. REMAIN PEACEFUL and engage in nonviolence. “You’re blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That is when you discover who you really are, and your place in God’s family. (Mt. 5:10) (The Message) This passage is more popularly known as “Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called children of God.” (MT 5:10 NRSV) If violence or destruction of property breaks out in any demonstration I attend, I will simply leave.
2. I am willing to engage in peaceful civil disobedience like exposing the presence of ICE and their allies. I support Worcester City Council resolution that Worcester city government will not cooperate with ICE agents in Worcester. And will find out who the two dissenting votes were and campaign against those individuals. ICE represents the most immediate threat to our neighbors and families. And, as an immigrant to this country from Canada in 1950, a danger to myself and family.
Progressives are often derisively referred to as “snowflakes” who melt when things get hot. What that does not take into account is that we are also the blizzard, capable of making the blizzard of ‘78, feel like a cool summer breeze. We are the nor’easter capable of bringing all normal activity to a halt. The blizzard of ’78 will look trivial.
If you see evidence of ICE activity, call the LUCE HOTLINE 617-370-5023
3. I will do my best to LOVE MY ENEMIES. “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you should love one another. By this everyone will know you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35. NRSV) I have acknowledged my difficulties with this (see posting for 9/5 and Pastor Brent’s response 9/19.) This is still new territory for me, but I will do my best to love in the midst of the darkness around us. I will do my best no matter what the provocation.
4. “The church must be the holy disrupter, not the chaplain of the Status Quo.” (Otis Moss III)
In the midst of all this darkness, I am aware that I/we need the church more than ever. I need it not only our protest but our worship, support, and community.
For the first time in 3 years, I missed the service on Sunday, October 12th with a cold, and by the 19th when I returned, I was spiritually dehydrated. That was the week that the sound system was not working well, and I could hear only about one half of what was said. And yet, I felt embraced in the arms of our loving God and community. In this time of crisis and darkness, we need each other. This is a major learning for me during the last three years. No more “Home Baptist” for me.
This is what I see at this point. All of this could easily change. It is not over. And the end has not been decided. Will there be more justice, inclusion, and love, or will it all freeze over in the darkness? Will our cultural temple be destroyed by invading forces, or will love prevail? I don’t know.
