Thread by @futuristguy

THREAD: RESTORATIVE JUSTICE NO!. There's been an flurry of tweets this evening, related to Dr. Albert Mohler's apology on his past general support for CJ Mahaney/Sovereign Grace and for several specific situations that prolonged traumatizing of related victims & their families. 1

Some are responding w/ gratitude for his apology; some w/ thanks plus wait-and-see-actions skepticism; & some w/ too-little-too-late. This range of reactions is understandable, & looks like a large contingent will continue watching for concrete follow-up actions by SBC leaders. 2

I believe the Truth and Reconciliation Commission after apartheid ended offers us a historical example that can help our communities navigate this situation constructively. Case Study #3 overviews 3 key points from my studies & reflections on the TRC. 3

futuristguysfieldguides.wordpress.com/c1-institution…

Here are the points, [with abuse survivor parallels]. First, it was clear to me that black South Africans sharing their stories was crucial for their healing as individuals, & reclamation of their dignity as a people group. [We've been telling our stories; more are listening.] 4

Second, the opportunity for amnesty gave others the chance to search their actions & clear their consciences of misdeeds that had brought great damage to others. [Powerful abusers & enablers brutalized victims & families emotionally,& must feel weight of damage they inflicted.] 5

Third, now the nation knew both sides of their history & could not officially hide. [Blogs archive decades of SBC abuse survivors/activists who shared their experiences, documented silence, challenged the powerful. Coupled w/news sources like @HoustonChron, truth widely known.] 6

I try to be challenging, constructive, & conciliatory w/ how-to's to implement concrete systemic changes & to use qualitative indicators to evaluate transformation impact. These 3 posts overview my POV. 7

futuristguysfieldguides.wordpress.com/2017/12/21/sys…

futuristguysfieldguides.wordpress.com/2017/12/28/sys…

futuristguy.wordpress.com/tutorial-13/

I don't expect full agreement w/ my approaches, but I hope a parallel IRL case study helps us see that neither the abuses or responses are new, & that people groups long divided by power dynamics & damage can engage in processes of restorative justice. 8

futuristguy.wordpress.com/2019/01/17/a-c…

As a Christian futurist I'm driven by hope - see us embody a preferable future that leaves next gens a more positive legacy. #SBCToo is a reality & SBC has a backlog of amends & to-mends. Resources from abuse survivors, advocates & activists can help guide to make a difference. 9

Oy! Should say "Restorative Justice NOW!"