Protest and Demonstrations
Can a True Christian do street demonstrations/protests.
Firstly, I’m hearing the “cries” of some Christian pastors who are “requesting peaceful street protests” against “ISIS”, for example. Please don’t be tricked by these cunning men who will “watch from a distance” whilst you “risk your life” participating in these demonstrations. Even if they join it, it doesn’t make it “right according to Christ’s commands” as we shall see briefly. Before you know it, when the situation gets out of hand due to their “provoking”, they’ll be “praying” for “peace” instead. An irony indeed. Be “wise”.
Secondly, for the record, I don’t believe in any form of “resistance” (peaceful or not) even against evil in this age because the Lord commanded:
“But I (Lord Jesus) tell you, do not resist an evil person…” (Matthew 5:39)
True Christianity has “no resistance” in the form of “street protests/demonstrations” for example. Christ only “voiced out” (spoke against evil) whilst on earth. Thus true Christians may only “speak” (in words) against evil not “fight it with force” under this New Testament age’s covenant.
Now, this means that:
1. If I “live” oppressed under evil which takes advantage of my “no resistance”, it’s hard but it also becomes a glorious opportunity to practice the beatitudes such as “Love your enemies etc…”. I know, “easier said than done”.
2. If I “die” under this oppression, then I get the chance to become a “true” martyr for Christ who believed that even the enemies who murder me must one day be reconciled to God after their period of correction in the lake of fire itself.
My point is this:
Even in facing evil, we can view it as an opportunity to “do good” and demonstrate with our “actions” what it “really” or “truly” means to “follow Christ” our Blessed Saviour who has already set the precedence for this when He laid down His Life on The Cross at Calvary!
Here are two “relevant” verses for your consideration:
1. “redeeming the time, because the days are evil;” (Ephesians 5:16)
2. “Walk with wisdom towards them that are without, redeeming the time.” (Colossians 4:5)
Decide for yourselves whether you want to obey your pastor or Lord Jesus Christ!