Condemning Violence; Resisting Both-Sidesism

Our nation’s heated political rhetoric of the past decade has reached a fever pitch, soaring to dangerous new heights with yesterday’s assassination attempt on former President Donald J. Trump. My soul grieves for the space in which we find ourselves, what it says about who we are, and what it says about who we will be in the months and years ahead.

​First, a note about violence (which I hope will come across as "obvious"). I condemn it. It is evil. Full stop. I am mourning this news just as I have mourned the stories of every other mass shooting that has filled our airwaves with fear and anxiety.

​Yet, I also acknowledge that this particular violent act stands apart, indicative of a specific situation in a specific time of our communal life. This mass shooting is not altogether like other mass shootings. In a way, we’ve been living witnesses of a rapid denigration of shared ethical norms… a slide to the bottom that seems to have been leading us to this moment all along.

​I pray for President Trump, for his family, and for those associated in his political campaign. I pray for President Biden, for his family and for his political campaign. I pray for those whose lives were lost because of senseless violence. I pray for those who now live in fear, and for those whose lives are on the line as they serve and protect the people entrusted to their care.

That said, I feel compelled to acknowledge the dangerous and misguided temptation to adopt a “both sides” approach that would equate the actions and rhetoric of all parties involved. I grieve that the events of this weekend will undoubtedly amplify that notion in ways that further fray at the fabric of society. It is, of course, essential to acknowledge the flaws and failings on all sides, and I am more than willing to do so. Yet, we must also recognize the unique threats posed by specific ideologies and actions, and the violent rhetoric that underscores them.

Within minutes of the assassination attempt, President Trump’s allies began to point fingers at President Biden and democratic politicians. Among other things, they quoted the often-mentioned Democratic talking point that the “future of democracy is at stake” as rhetoric that would clearly lead someone to pursue violent means.

Yet, news junkies and concerned citizens will note where violent rhetoric has actually taken residence in these difficult years. During his first election campaign, then candidate Mr. Trump said that “only second amendment people” could stop a hypothetical President Hillary Clinton’s supreme court nominees. During his candidacy and his presidency, he referred to immigrants and refugees as “vermin,” “animals,” and “rapists.” In the midst of protests following the murder of George Floyd, he tweeted “when the looting starts, the shooting starts.” At the conclusion of his term of office he incited a violent insurrection, saying “you’ll never take back this country with weakness.” In speaking of retribution toward his rivals, he joked that he’d “only be a dictator on the first day.” He has repeatedly stated that if he does not win reelection “there will be bloodshed.” In the seconds after bullets whirled past his ear yesterday, he defiantly stood with a fist raised in the air, screaming “Fight! Fight!”

These two things are not the same. These two candidates are not the same. One can condemn terrible acts of political violence while refusing to equate situations that ultimately threaten the very future of our nation and world.

I want to be clear. I cannot and will not, in good conscience, call to demonize any group or their supporters, though I can admit that my human nature sometimes tempts me to do so. In my professional and personal life I will, however, yearn for and work for discerning truth and justice with clarity and conviction. We can acknowledge that the future of democracy is at stake without advocating or condoning violence. We can engage in the political process with passion and integrity, with a commitment to nonviolence and respect for the inherent dignity of every person.

Violence begets violence. Vengeance is not ours. When political rhetoric becomes a catalyst for physical harm, we stray far from the teachings of Christ. In times like these, our actions as individuals become even more critical… particularly as our political systems and the continued decline of our societal norms leave us culturally predisposed to match force with force. As followers of Christ, we are called to be peacemakers, to seek justice, and to love our neighbors—even those with whom we vehemently disagree.

Martin Luther King Jr. once noted: "[Nonviolence] is directed against forces of evil rather than against persons who happen to be doing the evil. It is evil that the nonviolent resister seeks to defeat, not the persons victimized by evil.”  That his life eventually ended at the hands of an assassin further illustrates the chasm that existed then (and now). In this, we must commit to seeking justice, not retribution.

I detest any violence, for violence is never the answer. What happened yesterday is abhorrent.

A second Trump administration is a threat to our democracy and the health of our world, and he has proven himself time and again to proudly promote violence for his own political gain.

​Both of these things can be true. We can and we must resist the urge of “both sidesing.”

​May we be instruments of peace in a world desperately in need of healing.

PS - another mass shooting featuring the AR-15? Enough is enough. How long, O Lord? Thoughts and prayers must be matched with action.

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​Romans 12:9-21
Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are. Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God; for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” No, “if your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them something to drink; for by doing this you will heap burning coals on their heads.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

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​Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.