In the past month, we have witness peaceful protests turn into riots. Riots which had destroyed people’s livelihoods, homes, dreams, and hopes. This was all done in the name of advancing a cause. It was wrong. There is nothing wrong with peaceful protests, but when they turn violent they are wrong.
It was disheartening to see clergy from the mainline churches supporting the peaceful protests, then standing by and doing nothing to the rioters. Why did they just stand by? Why did they not engage and try to protect the innocents? Some would say that the rioters had freedom of expression. Is destroying a person’s business the correct expression? No. We are given the right to protest (said by a clergy member). True, but the first amendment stated that it is peaceful. What is peaceful about shooting a baby (Chicago, Father’s day weekend)? Nothing, because it is wrong.
The best one of all which a clergy member stated, “Well Jesus did it.” Their reference was the cleansing of the temple when Jesus overturned the money tables of those who were cheating God and the people. Notice Jesus went after those who were doing wrong. He did not attack the innocent.
The church is to be the light to the world. It is suppose to be the beacon of hope during dark times. It is time for the followers of Jesus Christ to stand, defend the innocent and spread the message of the Good News to all: one soul at a time.