Today, I am going to the State Capitol to attend a news conference and witness the floor vote on a SHOOT FIRST/STAND YOUR GROUND bill. I will listen and speak up in opposition. I will wear my clergy collar to give a visual clergy witness.
This bill begs us to see other people as threats to our lives. It begs the other person to see us/me as threats. The bill ignites FEAR. FEAR builds walls. FEAR stifles. FEAR stirs us to see the other as the enemy. The dualism of FEAR and ENEMY devolve into VIOLENCE. I have been thought to see the enemy as my friend with whom a relationship of trust and love can evolve, and not to be continually on guard.
I am grateful for those who serve as police officers, security, and the military. Their calling is to be a deterance and to respond with violence to prevent further violence. They live one danger’s edge and deserve our respect. But to allow ANYONE to be a walking police? A walking soldier? How does having to feel another as a walking gun affect trust? Conversation? Relationship?
Scripture teaches that perfect love casts out fear. This is the JESUS WAY. Love builds trust. Love nurtures community. Love opens conversation towards solutions. Love builds comity. Love casts out fear. NO to this dangerous vill!