A recommendation for my Christian followers.
When talking w a friend expressing personal pain over the situation in America today- perhaps a black friend who has been followed around in a department store by security, regularly pulled over because they were profiled, 1
When talking w a friend expressing personal pain over the situation in America today- perhaps a black friend who has been followed around in a department store by security, regularly pulled over because they were profiled, 1
or grew up in a neighborhood segregated not by government edict but fatherless-induced poverty, that’s not the time to whip out the fact that only nine unarmed black men were killed by police last year. They don’t need to debate the merits or drawbacks of qualified immunity. 2
They just need you to listen and empathize and “mourn when they mourn.” Compassion needs to be your primary motivation in conversations with friends. (Romans 12:15) 3
But when it comes to policy, don’t let supposed “empathy” supplant clear thinking. That leads you down the destructive path of legislation that feels good but does not do good. Good policy requires we master the facts, be unflinching about statistics, and be sober minded. 4
We do not let the media narrative- either to the left or the right- whip us into an emotional frenzy. Justice needs to be our primary motivation in policy conversations. That means facts over feelings. “Keep your head in all situations.” (2 Tim 4:15) 5
As a Christian you’re called to be both a devoted friend and engaged citizen. Those roles have two different aims and therefore require two different responses. Following Christ requires excellence in both roles. 6
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