The Jena-6 and the power of personal non-violent protest

I have been powerfully effected by the situation in Jena, Louisiana. I teach in a ninth grade transition program that's over 90% African American. My students in North Carolina have taken it very personally, and understandably so. The worst part of the racism in Jena is that it occured on many levels including Institutional Levels. Institutional racism is the most destructive of all. When members of institutions such as the School Superintendent, Law Enforcement Officers, and Attorneys wield their power in an unequal way it is not only insulting on a racist level, but it undermines the public's confidence in these very important institutions. If the public has no confidence in these institutions the very fabric of our society begins to tear apart.

I believe that these young black men were shown repeatedly that the standards of their community were applied unequally. The situation got to such a point that they finally erupted in a violent attack on a white boy that was connected to some of the hatred. While I can understand the frustration, and outrage of these young men I wish they hadn't resorted to violence. It has without question made the situation worse for them.

The power of Martin Luther King Jr.'s civil rights movement of the 60's was that it was non-violent. In Selma it was obvious who the victims were. It opened the eyes of the nation. Nobody could deny the injustice of innocent, peaceful blacks being beaten by the police. In Jena things are more complicated because 6 victims of racism and violence used violence to make their oppressor into a quasi-victim in the eyes of some.

I bring this up to lead into another point. I believe that personal non-violent protest is the most powerful way to change injustice. However, it must be differentiated from a government's response to injustice. The Bible says that governments are a sword to execute judgement and justice. If they do not respond with force to protect their citizens from attack, they shirk their God-given responsibility.

By definition governments cannot be Christian, only individuals can. Governments are entities without souls who only do what their leaders make them do. Governments can and should reflect Christian values, so the citizens will be blessed with justice, peace, freedom and prosperity, but they will never answer to God. Only people do. Governments are a sword to be used wisely.

-Paul B.