Some people just do not get it. I feel if you do not understand the protests and the motivations behind said protests and the deeper elements, you choose not to understand. Your life context may not match that of the protesters and your mission may not call you to actively engage to matter, but contextual deviation does not absolve a petulant lack of empathy or a dearth of understanding. One is free to disagree, but not free to disregard or dismiss the plight of others.
This is a common theme for Nationalists masquerading as Christians: Fast to speak, dismissive, and self-righteous - the antithesis of what your "Christ" commanded. Which begs to question: Who is your "Christ"? You call yourselves "Pastors" yet you judge harshly instead of engaging in grace, You call yourselves "servants" yet you seek to push your own agenda at the expense of your fellow human. You call yourselves "disciples" yet you exhibit zero attributes of the Christ you claim to follow and embody.
American Christianity has always been a divisive practice since the founding of this country. That fact is becoming more common and, unfortunately, more acceptable. Racists, misogynists, perverts, and bigots no longer lurk in the shadows - they teach your children in Sunday School, lead your small groups, and preach compelling sermons on Sundays - in the name of the Risen Christ.
Some will say, "These issues have nothing to do with me; why should I care?" Simply stated: Your silence and inaction make you complicit in perpetuating the issues which hamstring your neighbor. If you have never been profiled for "driving in the wrong neighborhood," "having too much money," "living in the 'wrong' neighborhood," or simply existing - try living as a marginalized person for a week. Part of the human experience is living outside of your protected bubble and truly becoming part of a community - not just launching dismissive barbs at those who do not look, talk, react, live, or express like you.
To my Anglo-American Christian family: Will you continue to hide within your conscious/unconscious bigotry and racism - or will you, for once, seek to understand that everyone is not like you - and it's perfectly fine?
