Unpacking the Mind
Blogging should be a means of getting something off your chest or fleshing out an idea. With all that is going on in the world, country, state, county, township, and homestead, most certainly there are thousands of blog topics. Yet I am unable to unpack my mind.
Somewhere in the mess of ideas, thoughts, and consternations is a heaviness as I become more aware of the increase in religious harassment in America. Just today I read an article about a military chaplain being called out and reprimanded for talking about faith. Another article told of a complaint about the overly overt and offensive Star of David displayed at a Holocaust memorial. Is the tide changing or are the voices of the few simply getting louder and bolder.
Of course this is nothing new. Followers of the God of Abraham, Issac, and Jacob have been under a critical eye since the beginning of their story. Yet, in the USA, we have experienced such a unique season in world history--the season of religious freedom and the welcoming of Judeo-Christian thought. An unbiased eye will see that a society generally improves when Judeo-Christian principles are applied. Value is given to the individual, including women and children; work and enterprise are applauded; and life is elevated with purpose and dignity. Yet the forces against Christians and Jews are relentless.
The suppression and harassment of Christians and Jews is alive and active around the world. Historically our role in the USA has been to bring awareness, to provide financial support, and to offer asylum when the opportunity arises. But our safe haven is becoming less welcoming. So now what? When do we speak up? What do we say?
We are in the midst of a new sort of Civil Rights movement and the life of Martin Luther King, Jr. provides some guidance. Below is the content of the Commitment Card that anyone who wanted to be involved in his non-violent movement and marches had to sign before they could participate. It is a good place to start as we evaluate our motives and consider how to effectively impact our culture.
Commitment Card
Martin Luther King, Jr.
1963
I hereby pledge myself—my person and body—to the nonviolent movement. Therefore I will keep the following ten commandments:
1. Meditate daily on the teachings and life of Jesus.
2. Remember always that the non—violent movement seeks justice and reconciliation — not victory.
3. Walk and talk in the manner of love, for God is love.
4. Pray daily to be used by God in order that all men might be free.
5. Sacrifice personal wishes in order that all men might be free.
6. Observe with both friend and foe the ordinary rules of courtesy.
7. Seek to perform regular service for others and for the world.
8. Refrain from the violence of fist, tongue, or heart.
9. Strive to be in good spiritual and bodily health.
10.Follow the directions of the movement and of the captain on a demonstration.
I sign this pledge, having seriously considered what I do and with the determination and will to persevere.
Name____________________
Address__________________
Phone___________________
Nearest Relative___________
Address__________________
Besides demonstrations, I could also help the movement by: (Circle the proper items)
Run errands, Drive my car, Fix food for volunteers, Clerical work, Make phone calls, Answer phones, Mimeograph, Type, Print Signs, Distribute leaflets.
ALABAMA CHRISTIAN MOVEMENT FOR HUMAN RIGHTS
Birmingham Affiliate of S.C.L.C.
505 1/2 North 17th Street
F.L. Shuttlesworth, President
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