During a live interview this morning on national television a pastor who organized the protest rally in Dallas that ended up with snipers shooting at police, killing at least five and wounding twice as many, was asked a question along the lines of, "What message do you have for people in light of what happened here?"
His response was that he would tell people to "stop shooting each other." Then he added a few words about the importance of love.
Frankly, I don't know what I would have said in that moment if I were the one being asked the question. But, I have the advantage of time to think about it without TV cameras in my face and millions of people watching, with a frenzied police investigation unfolding behind me.
His two thoughts are pertinent and valid, of course. As a clergyperson, I have no disagreement with what he said. I also believe some other points should be made.
In scripture -- both "testaments" -- one can find numerous examples of a message that comes through when God is blatantly present and when Jesus displays signs of God's presence. That message is "do not fear," or in some instances of translation into English, "do not be afraid."
It occurs to me that we are living in a season of fear. There is, of course, fear of terrorism both in the United States and abroad. I would argue that terrorism is a direct product of fear. There also is a fear of change, especially among those who see themselves as being in society's dominant position. Longing for "the good old days," having a desire to "take back our country," or to "make America great again," all express that fear: those who have enjoyed privilege and unfair advantages see it crumbling away, and that makes them very afraid.
It is especially distressing when "people of faith" give in to and express such fears. Many "Christians" and "churches" express hatred of homosexuals and/or Muslims; a hatred rooted in fear. There is a fear of those who are different, those we do not understand, those who do not embrace our specific values or ways of living.
Yet, scripture conveys the message that God created all of humanity, that God desires abundant life for everyone. God envisions the world and its inhabitants as an expression of God's love. When circumstances put us in position to encounter someone who is not exactly like us, or to live through times that are a-changing, or that challenge us even to question our own ways, thoughts, desires, priorities, and understanding of the world, the message from God is, "Do not be afraid."
We are seeing what happens when we submit to fear: hatred, division, bitterness, and violence. We are not holders of The Truth. We are not the center of the universe. We are not God.
God's Word exists through eternity -- that's before and after our few moments in this life. As I interpret God's Word, the main thing I see is God's desire for life, abundant and everlasting. And even after all the shooting is done; even after the bodies are laid to rest by broken-hearted loved ones; even after oppression and exclusion and stigmas do their damage, life keeps happening. Life springs up in the midst of death. Life brings new awareness and blessings. Life presents different and better possibilities.
It has happened down through the ages. It will happen as far ahead of us as our minds can imagine.
Why do we keep looking for ways to interfere with that? Why do we keep resisting God's will and desire for us and for all of Creation?
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