I recently listened to a sermon that Diana Butler Bass gave at this year’s Wild Goose Festival. In it, she “tackled” (her term) one of the more controversial of the apostle Paul’s statements in Romans 13:1: “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities.” I encourage you to listen to her entire talk, because it speaks to our times as only a historian can.
She drew a strong parallel between the Roman emperor Nero and the current US president. She noted that when Nero needed a scapegoat for the fire that ravaged much of the city of Rome, he turned to a powerless group of people—Christians—and had several of them publicly and brutally murdered. I can’t help but note the parallels with various powerless groups of people being arrested and brutalized by ICE agents in the US today.
Here’s my summation of Diana’s interpretation of Paul’s message: Don’t needlessly sacrifice yourself to the governing authorities. Instead of fighting violence with violence, submit so you can keep your lives—and resist by living with love. Show instead this radical new way of Jesus.
In a season when many progressives are quick to judge anyone who is not on the front lines of the fight for justice, this is a radical interpretation. Yet it’s something I’ve felt to be true for me for many years. I am not called to the front lines. I am not called to combative rhetoric or actions. Instead, I’m called to something that may be harder: truly loving and praying for all the people God created (as I did when God put it on my heart to pray for Putin during Lent back in 2022).
This stance requires a belief in the possibility of redemption for even the evilest of human beings (and I’ll reflect more on countering evil next week). It isn’t a popular choice, nor is it an easy one to truly live out. I do not claim to do so perfectly, only intermittently—yet I am compelled by the Spirit to try.
I know some of you have commented on this blog about how difficult that would be for you, and I honor that. There are many ways to counter what is happening in the US today, including flying the flag upside down, as you can see in the picture above from a neighborhood near mine. People are needed on the front lines too; not everyone is called to this type of radical resistance through nonviolent love.
So, what do you think? How are you called to respond to oppressive governing authorities?
I can’t always show up and march and wave my protest sign, but I can write a check. I try and support organizations that are doing the most good to counter the evil being perpetrated by the very organizations that are supposed to be protecting us and are doing the opposite, government and otherwise.
Thank you, Suzanne…and yes, there are many ways to make a difference: time, talent, treasure, and more. The contrast is stark, isn’t it?
Peace,
Shirin
For the past months a strong group of worthy-worded Tucsonans have been devising weekly, and on purpose meeting with an LD chairman for the purpose of coming up with pithy signs for … now, Election time.
The rule was to be kind and humble while forthright. They endorse no one candidate but only attempt to touch the deep truth, the love, inside us. Look for them:
”Patriotism isn’t red or blue. Vote Early”
I wear a button written with one word: “Enough?”
That’s what I’m doing.
Thank you for sharing what you are doing here in Tucson, Mo. Those signs sound great! I will definitely keep an eye out for them. May your button provoke some heartfelt conversations….
Peace,
Shirin
Saul/Paul is an example of transformation from evil to good.
Yes, Anne, he most definitely is. Thank you for that reminder!
Peace,
Shirin
I understand it is recommended to pray for our enemies or those that seek to harm others. Yet, I struggle to embrace or even tolerate those that seek to scapegoat or not read and learn of current affairs from independent journalism. I have tried praying for our leaders to have wisdom and compassion versus greed and delusion. Alas, with little results. I am wearing out. Now I only pray to be willing to forgive at some later point, so no hatred continues. I pray many will come to hold Pura Vida and loving kindness close in their life.
Thank you, Melissa. I do understand this is a challenging invitation…and sometimes the wisdom is to let prayer change us rather than presuming it will change the other person. We cannot force others to change…we can only encourage by offering alternative views of the world. Thank you for continuing to do your part!
Peace,
Shirin
Thank you for sending the link to Dr. Bass’s thought-provoking sermon. It is so timely and so spot on. I will be praying on ways I can honor Pierre.
Sure do miss seeing you but so nice to read your blogs every week.
You’re very welcome, Meredith. I’m glad you found the sermon helpful, and that it helps to stay connected through these posts.
Peace,
Shirin