One great proverbial truth, not found in the Bible, I heard growing up more than any other was, “Two wrongs don’t make a right.” I believe the Biblical equivalent is far better and needs to be learned all the more, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21). How important is this idea in the wake of all we have witnessed on our TV screens in recent days?
Over these last two weeks we have witnessed many horrifying images, ignited by the senseless killing of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer. In response to this one act of brutality from a white officer towards a black individual we have seen all manor of responses. To put it mildly, some of the responses have been justifiable, while for others, the responses have been less than commendable. I will not attempt to wade into all the dynamics and aftermath surrounding this event, however I do want to pose this question: “How should we respond, especially as confessing Christ-followers, to an egregious act of injustice or to any hostile situation?” One response I hope we can agree on is, we should never take one evil act of violence and use it as an excuse to spawn further acts of violence and selfish indulgence.
One of the tragic responses we have seen in the aftermath was, buildings burning, businesses looted, and many police officers and civilians attacked, and in some instances murdered. One such terrifying response, that sadly has not received much attention, was the murder of David Dorn, a 77 year old retired Missouri Police Captain, who died protecting a friend’s Pawn shop from looters (https://abcnews.go.com/US/small-town-police-chief-killed-officers-cities-wounded/story?id=71017820). What is to blame for such wanton disregard for human life; both by police officer Derek Chauvin and by these opportunistic looters? Was it racism? Was it greed? Or was it something else?
Racism is real, and so is greed, and countless atrocities have been committed because of these two motivations, but the Bible suggest the root is something even more sinister.
In our world we often blame bad behaviour on external circumstances, and to a degree we are all victims of our experiences and surroundings. However, even more fundamental, we all possess a deep-rooted sinful nature that makes us susceptible to committing heinous acts. James says this about sin, “But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death” (1:14–15). The events over these last number of days have seen the extent and power of sin on full display; whether it be one officer giving into his own sense of power over another man, or whether it be cowardly opportunists taking advantage of chaotic circumstances to acquire filthy-lucre. In both instances, “the wages of sin were death” (Romans 6:23).
So again I ask, “How should we respond to tragic and wicked events?” I cannot possibly put it any better than how Saint Peter encourages us to act:
“…Having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. 2 Peter 1:4–7
This is the response our world needs right now, and let it begin with the church of Christ!
A Further Note About Racism & Police Officers — I hope in 2020 I do not have to speak out against the vileness of racism. All sins are evil, but there is an especially despicable nature to the sin of racism. Racism is not just an offence against another race, tribe, or culture, it is first and foremost an offence against God who created all humanity in his divine image.
I am not sure there is a single person I am aware of who has seen the despicable footage of the Minneapolis officer putting his knee on the neck of George Floyd in excess of 8 minutes, slowly extinguishing his helpless victim’s life and is not revolted by the blatant brutality. The officer was immediately fired, and later, rightfully charged criminally. Such grotesque aggression should break any decent person’s heart. Yet, it is also heartbreaking, when we see one brutish act become the basis of impugning a whole class of civil servants, especially with a charge as serious as racism.
I have the privilege to know and count as friends many incredible police officers. For each one I am grateful for their friendship and equally grateful for the important service they bring to our communities. One of my biggest heroes, both in childhood and continuing to this current day is my cousin Kai Liu (related through marriage to my cousin Heidi), who is currently the Chief of Police with the Treaty 3 Communities in northern Ontario. Kai is of Taiwanese heritage and moved to Canada with his family as a child. In 1986 Kai became the first Asian to be hired to the Ottawa Police force. In the subsequent years Kai has become a decorated officer, who has built an incredible reputation for building strong relations between the police and their communities. Last year he resigned from his post as the Cobourg Police Chief, and moved to Northern Ontario to take on the role of Chief of Police with the Treaty 3 Indigenous communities (read more about Chief Kai Liu at: https://www.t3ps.ca/who-we-are/about-our-chief/). I share his story, because he is only one example of a dedicated officer, who has given his entire career, both encountering, but more importantly, working to overcome prejudice and racism in policing, while also seeking to bridge stronger relationships between the police and minority and lower-income communities.
Across our country there are thousands of police who selflessly serve and risk their lives for the sake of our communities. Yes, I am certain there are few bad apples mixed in. And yes, I am sure, like the rest of us, even the best officers, especially those who have served for decades, probably all have moments they are not proud of (which of us doesn’t in any of our vocations). Let’s not judge an entire group based on the actions of one. More importantly, let us do what we can to express our support and grateful appreciation to these vital community servants!
