Conflict/Cooperation
Why is it so much easier to stir up conflict than to inspire cooperation?
In the midst of a serious public health crisis--indeed, in some states that have the worst coronavirus cases--there are people who are acting like we're in the midst of armed civil war. People carrying rifles barged into a session of the Michigan state legislature--supposedly to express their anger at their governor's public health orders. In that same state, armed "militia men" stood guard outside a barbershop that was open for business (which by public health order was not supposed to be open). They said that if the police came, they would block the entrance and fight if they had to. For a barbershop? C'mon people!
I truly don't see why a serious public health issue should ever become a call for armed insurrection. The tactic is so disproportionate to the problem. You disagree with your state's governor? Well, good! That's our American civil right--our tradition, even--to question our government and demand accountability. What is NOT our right is to put people at risk of armed conflict when there are appropriate ways to contact our leaders and exert peaceful pressure for change.
This all feels very much like the craziness around the "Tea Party" movement from a few years ago, and also like the 2016 political campaign and election. There are people who are now willing to express hatred, racism and disagreement by acting out or threatening violent conflict. And like it or not, it all traces back to social media. One person starts a Facebook group advocating violent conflict, others join, and soon they're egging each other on. Another person (or even fake person--a "bot") becomes part of online comments and works to stir up antagonism. A Twitter war ignites over who are the "true Americans." And we're off to the races--eventually seeking out violence for violence's sake. No reason required. Just a permanent state of conflict.
It's very easy to get sucked into conflict. The best thing I can say is: Don't believe everything (anything?) you read online, on Twitter, Instagram or any other platform! If something catches your attention--RESEARCH and VERIFY before commenting or sharing with others. If everyone took the time to find out if what they are reacting to is even TRUE, we'd see far less conflict on every level, in every place.
Being in a state of constant conflict is so NOT Christian. Jesus says the greatest commandments are to Love God and Love Our Neighbor. He also said, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called Children of God." I pray that in the weeks and months ahead, as we try to navigate both a pandemic and a presidential election, we will strive to be "Children of God." To seek conversation instead of conflict. To "lay down our arms" both literally and figuratively. To focus on the things that bring us together, instead of those things that tear us apart.
It takes extra effort to build cooperation and mutual understanding--but the reward is great. We make new friends and strengthen existing relationships. We learn to listen--really listen--and try to understand another person's ideas and opinions. And we can join together to create a better community, better country and better world. It all starts with remembering who we truly are: Children of the Almighty God.
Will you join me in refusing to get sucked into positions of conflict, and instead seek out opportunities for cooperation? Perhaps we can help ourselves and others by assuming we are at peace with those around us--instead of defaulting to the idea that we are surrounded by enemies.
Peace and all good,
Pastor Jean
In the midst of a serious public health crisis--indeed, in some states that have the worst coronavirus cases--there are people who are acting like we're in the midst of armed civil war. People carrying rifles barged into a session of the Michigan state legislature--supposedly to express their anger at their governor's public health orders. In that same state, armed "militia men" stood guard outside a barbershop that was open for business (which by public health order was not supposed to be open). They said that if the police came, they would block the entrance and fight if they had to. For a barbershop? C'mon people!
I truly don't see why a serious public health issue should ever become a call for armed insurrection. The tactic is so disproportionate to the problem. You disagree with your state's governor? Well, good! That's our American civil right--our tradition, even--to question our government and demand accountability. What is NOT our right is to put people at risk of armed conflict when there are appropriate ways to contact our leaders and exert peaceful pressure for change.
This all feels very much like the craziness around the "Tea Party" movement from a few years ago, and also like the 2016 political campaign and election. There are people who are now willing to express hatred, racism and disagreement by acting out or threatening violent conflict. And like it or not, it all traces back to social media. One person starts a Facebook group advocating violent conflict, others join, and soon they're egging each other on. Another person (or even fake person--a "bot") becomes part of online comments and works to stir up antagonism. A Twitter war ignites over who are the "true Americans." And we're off to the races--eventually seeking out violence for violence's sake. No reason required. Just a permanent state of conflict.
It's very easy to get sucked into conflict. The best thing I can say is: Don't believe everything (anything?) you read online, on Twitter, Instagram or any other platform! If something catches your attention--RESEARCH and VERIFY before commenting or sharing with others. If everyone took the time to find out if what they are reacting to is even TRUE, we'd see far less conflict on every level, in every place.
Being in a state of constant conflict is so NOT Christian. Jesus says the greatest commandments are to Love God and Love Our Neighbor. He also said, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called Children of God." I pray that in the weeks and months ahead, as we try to navigate both a pandemic and a presidential election, we will strive to be "Children of God." To seek conversation instead of conflict. To "lay down our arms" both literally and figuratively. To focus on the things that bring us together, instead of those things that tear us apart.
It takes extra effort to build cooperation and mutual understanding--but the reward is great. We make new friends and strengthen existing relationships. We learn to listen--really listen--and try to understand another person's ideas and opinions. And we can join together to create a better community, better country and better world. It all starts with remembering who we truly are: Children of the Almighty God.
Will you join me in refusing to get sucked into positions of conflict, and instead seek out opportunities for cooperation? Perhaps we can help ourselves and others by assuming we are at peace with those around us--instead of defaulting to the idea that we are surrounded by enemies.
Peace and all good,
Pastor Jean
Comments
Post a Comment