When society loses justice, where are you, Christians?

【Legal Chapter 2】

Translation/Zimin

stand up bravely

On a Wednesday morning in May, many people from our church collectively participated in a public demonstration called: "Demand the Ban." They gathered in front of Senator Pat Toomey's office in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, each holding a plow made from an AR-15 rifle. As Isaiah 2:4 says, “They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into sickles!”

In front of Senator Dupat's office, many demonstrators listened to various pastors and speakers speak about the sanctity of life and the need to end gun violence. Because a large number of people stood firmly in front of the senator's office and refused to leave, they were arrested by the police.

Frankly speaking, I got the above information from elsewhere, and I did not participate in this demonstration myself. A few months before the demonstrations began, a pastor came to ask the justice group I organized, Circle Mobilizing Because Black Lives Matter, if it would be willing to mobilize churches in the community to support This demonstration. After thinking about it, I politely declined because the service goal of the Alliance to Promote the Emphasis on Human Rights of African Americans is mainly aimed at racial discrimination and injustice in society, and the purpose of this demonstration with the theme of "Demand the Ban" is Doesn't match.

Looking at social justice from historical events

There is no doubt that passing "gun ban" laws will reduce the proportion of shootings. But judging from the historical record, gun control regulations appear to be discriminatory and specific to African Americans. According to documentary records, in the 19th century, the southern United States passed different gun control laws and regulations, which were entirely targeted at African Americans, with the purpose of restricting their right to bear arms. Likewise, in the 1960s, tough gun control legislation was largely a response to fear of the then rampant Black Panther Party.

In the 21st century, laws that allow people to legally own guns for self-defense are still unfair. Take the controversial Philando Castile case as an example. A black man who legally held a gun was stopped by the police while driving on July 6, 2016. He first told the police very calmly, "I hold a firearm legally, but I will never take it out at this time." Unexpectedly, just as he put his hand in his pocket and was about to take out his driver's license, he was suddenly shot by the police. Shot seven times and killed. At the initial trial of the case, the police officer who fired the weapon on duty was found guilty of "second-degree manslaughter and two counts of dangerous discharge of a firearm", but was ultimately acquitted!

This accidental shooting not only reopened the widespread discussion about gun ban, but also became a catalyst for racial confrontation. The incident illustrates the intricate relationships among different human rights movements, with opinions differing even among those who share the same views. People who care about the issue of racial justice have a consensus: the issue of militarized law enforcement by public power and the issue of gun control cannot be separated. In certain areas where people of color are concentrated, police weapons and firearms are equipped with increasingly high-level functions, and they are as powerful and militarized as the army. To reduce gun conflicts in the United States, the basic thing is that people must learn to let go of their obsession with gun ownership, and the police must reduce the form of militarized management.

Christian, are you insensitive?

Many times, we may become numb because of increasingly complex social problems, trying to convince ourselves: "No matter what we do, we can't change the status quo"; or we may convince ourselves, "Because there are too many unknown consequences, what the hell?" Don’t do it!” As far as I know, whether it is school shootings, police manslaughter, the Trump cabinet’s further difficulties with refugee policies, etc., many people now choose to turn a deaf ear to public opinion and think that every social incident is just out of order. Society is just adding insult to injury. However, honestly speaking, is it really wise to turn a blind eye to these social chaos?

Remember when Jesus used the parable of talents to illustrate how harshly He would end up dealing with those who were insensitive? I 100% support the brothers and sisters in my church who choose to participate in demonstrations calling for a gun ban. Even if I do not join their ranks, I sincerely hope that their actions will bear the fruit of the gospel. When it comes to dedicating ourselves to the kingdom of God, we must know how to prioritize and invest our energy in projects that touch us. None of us have unlimited abilities. Choosing the focus and concentrating our energy are wise investments. We and other brothers and sisters are members of each other. Based on the gifts and opportunities we receive, we work together to build the kingdom of God, which of course also includes changing the legal and political environment.

▲ Demonstrations for "valuing the human rights of African Americans" have been enthusiastically responded to across the United States.

Set apart, rise and shine

There are a large number of Christians who do not believe that political laws can really solve problems, but there are also a small number of people who hold the belief that the law can solve problems. A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to go on vacation to the town of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and observe the Amish Christians living in the town. They insisted on retaining the traditional and simple way of life, and did not use modern technology. A unique but valuable group culture. Every time I think about the slim chance of passing a gun ban or abolition law, God focuses my attention on this group of Amish Christians who have the courage to say no to the world. I am a Christian who grew up in a Mennonite church, and I have always adhered to the doctrine of "separation" from the world's values and political and economic systems.

But at the same time, I also believe that Jesus’ intention is to renew and transform the world through his people, just as in Matthew chapter 5, he commands us: You are the light of the world, therefore, we do not hide the light Under the bucket, it rises and shines for the world to see. When our church brothers and sisters gathered in front of the senator’s office to protest, the world saw it! When we actively spoke out for the abolition of cash bail laws and the death penalty, the world saw it! As Christians, we hold fast to what we believe in in all aspects in order to let the world see Christ in us and become the voice of the times in a society full of injustice! Note: The Black Panther Party, or BPP for short, was founded in 1966. In view of the brutal police power that targeted African Americans everywhere, the founders Huey Newton and Bobby Seale The group was formed to rival local officials. Members of the "Black Panther Party" wearing black berets and black leather jackets became a trend for a while. They once launched large-scale armed citizen patrols in the Oakland area of California and other cities, attracting attention from all walks of life. In 1968, the number of members of the Black Panther Party in the United States reached a record high of 2,000. Later, due to internal tensions, multiple fatal gun battles, and federal counterintelligence activities, the Black Panther Party gradually declined and its power weakened. (Source: "History" websitehttps://www.history.com/topics/black-panthers)

Andrew Yang, a practicing attorney, currently lives in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Dedicated to upholding justice for disadvantaged groups in society, he is also the founder of the justice group Circle Mobilizing Because Black Lives Matter.

Translator profile
Zi Min, originally from Taiwan, now lives in New York. He loves to use words to taste life stories.