ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
October 5, 2022
In the last twelve days or so, I have offered a couple of Etchings on the events in Iran – specifically starting with the apprehension and death of Mahsa Amini, a young woman who was not wearing her headscarf correctly. The self-appointed morality overlords have a long history of using fear tactics and violence to impose their definition of correctness on others, specifically women.
If you’ve not been paying attention to international news, women in Iran, even young girls, are pushing back. It is a powerful witness to freedom, yet the government continues to strike back with the use of even more violence. It is so easy for me to hope this call to action continues, yet in no way is my life or even my way of life threatened. During recent protests, many have been arrested, injured and even killed.
It’s an oversimplification, but this is yet another example of a religion (it’s worth noting that Christianity has done this numerous times throughout its history) that is unable to change hearts with its message alone, and so resorts to coercion and violence to impose its ideas. None of the main world religions believe their message should be forced, yet to combat alternative opinions and unwanted ideas, the easiest response has often been intimidation and compulsion. Of course, the moment a religion goes down that path, it loses its identity and becomes nothing more than a group of power-seeking thugs. Religions, including my own, must do a better job of allowing their witness to speak for itself. If it doesn’t change hearts, the problem is probably not with the people. It’s probably the message or how the message is presented.
If it is life-giving love that I speak and live, then give me the confidence to trust the power of my life-witness. Holy God, you took a risk in the gift of Jesus, a gift that never used the tools of fear, intimidation or coercion. At the end of the day, it was mercy, kindness, justice and love that gave life to a movement. And today, it is these ideals that are giving life to movements around the globe. Thanks to you, O God, the Source of such gifts. Amen.
