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The power of positive protest

Philip Young encourages us to take a stand for what we believe, and has just written to Thérèse Coffey regarding climate change and the forthcoming COP 27. He explains why we should be prepared to protest.

Should Christians protest? Should Christians be politically active? It is sometimes said that religion and politics should be kept separate.
 
I do not believe in violent protest. Christians are encouraged to put love at the centre of all that they do. I think we can rule out protest that involves violence.
 
How about protest that damages property or disrupts people going about their daily business? I am personally appalled when protest damages property, such as the recent damage done to works of art, or to damaging figures at Madam Tussauds. I also don't like it when travel disruption is a target and people cannot get to hospital etc. in an emergency.
 
However, there are many ways to protest democratically which do not harm others. If love is at the centre of Christianity, then our actions should be loving and considerate of others. Respect for others is paramount.
 
Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King have shown us the way to protest in a non-violent way and I believe we should follow their example. The English language is not very helpful because non-violence possibly implies not doing anything at all. ‘Pacifism’ perhaps implies much the same. However, Gandhi talked in terms of ‘love-force’, ‘soul-force’, or ‘truth-force’. If you are interested, look up the meaning of the words ‘Ahimsa’ and ‘Satyagraha’.
 
In Christianity we learn through Jesus that love is at the centre of all. I believe Jesus used ‘love-force’, ‘soul-force’, and ‘truth-force’ as he faced his death. He refused to use violence and went to his death on the cross with love for all of humanity in his heart.
 
God is love, and love is the most powerful force in the world. I believe it is only through love that the world can be healed. Love overcomes hate. Life overcomes death.
 
We should be careful not to protest with negativity in our hearts and actions, but to replace any negativity with love and positive actions. Our protests will then be a blessing to others and not a curse.
 
 
The picture shows Philip with Franciscan friends outside Parliament in March 2020 and is courtesy of Philip Young.


Philip Young June 2014Philip is an Anglican, Quaker, and a member of the Third Order of Franciscans, and lives in Felixstowe. Until July 2014 he was the Diocesan Environmental Officer for the Norwich Diocese, and he stood as an independent candidate in the June 2017 General Election.  He is now Associate Priest at St. John and St. Edmund in Felixstowe and a freelance writer on spiritual and political matters. He is available to run Quiet Days, give talks, presentations or to preach, and would welcome invitations from radio, television, or any other interested group. In particular, he is willing to speak up against the present war being waged by Russia.
Visit  revolutionoflovenow.com.
 


 

The views carried here are those of the author, not of Network Norfolk, and are intended to stimulate constructive and good-natured debate between website users. 

 
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Feedback:
(Guest) 02/11/2022 12:09
From James Knight:

You haven't said what it is you're protesting about? Before one protests, one should be absolutely clear what one is protesting about.
(Guest) 02/11/2022 21:34
Ironically I am protesting about negativity! Work that one out! Love wins.

3410 views
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