Race relations are now, as ever, a complex and sensitive topic in the US and elsewhere. A cursory reading of articles on the shooting of Trayvon Martin agree that insufficient evidence was provided to prove allegations of second degree murder ("any intentional murder with malice aforethought, but is not premeditated or planned in advance") beyond a shadow of a doubt. Evidence was incomplete and inconclusive, so it's not surprising that the shooting and court case were highly polarizing.
We, as humans, do our best to make decisions with limited and often unreliable information. We reach conclusions as best we can, but pre-existing bias affects those conclusions on either side of the political spectrum. Did George Zimmerman act in self defense or did he murder Travyon Martin? I don't know. I can't know. I also don't know the inner workings of the hearts of the founders of the Black Lives Matter movement. But just as I don't feel comfortable assuming Zimmerman set out to commit a racially motivated murder, I also don't feel comfortable assuming that I can determine, with complete accuracy, the intent of the Black Lives Matter organization and its supporters.
Is there a history of American culture and government attributing less value to lives of minorities?
Most definitely. (If I had more time to dedicate to this post, I would write about how Italian, Irish, Chinese, and other immigrants were exploited during the 20th century, but I need to be brief tonight.)
Is racism still common today? Most definitely.
Does systemic racism ("a form of
racism that is embedded as normal practice within
society or an organisation") persist in American institutions? That is a much more complex question, but it is one that warrants conversation.
Regardless of our own position regarding racial tensions in America, we, as Christians, should remember that there are people who are hurting and disappointed with their local, state, and national leaders. Many people are seeking justice, fairness, and equality in regards to race--all wonderful ideals that we should strive for in this life and will be fully realized in God's everlasting Kingdom.
Volumes upon volumes can be (and already have been and will be again) written defending viewpoints on race relations (whether either side could attempt to apply individual events to broader and more complex issues or cite statistics and reports), but I firmly believe Christians will more effectively advance the Gospel message when we allow our hearts to break over a culture that is lost, directionless, and, in so many cases, seeking the good things that Christ will achieve (justice, accountability, love, etc.) absent Christ Himself.
I may love to be right as much as the next person, but what does it gain me? And, more importantly, what does it gain the Christian church and the Kingdom of God? Even if we win Internet debates on controversial topics, does it point anyone to Christ as Savior? I'm not suggesting that we shouldn't have these conversations. I just want to warn against ending the conversation with people from different views regarding race relations before it starts.
The truth of Scripture and local churches dedicated to Scripture and Christ are not so fragile that they can not stand up to scrutiny. If Discord bans Christian servers (which, again, I don't see any indication that they would do so in the near future), we'll find a different solution. If persecution comes, the church will survive (and, if history is any indication, thrive). But if we are unwilling to listen to and extend sincere empathy to (please note that I did not say "agree with") neighbors, friends, and co-workers that are hurting, frustrated, and seeking relief, we may very well miss opportunities to share the Gospel of a God that is just, righteous, and loving.
The Bible has much to say about
how we treat people who are different from ourselves and
Scripture is filled with warnings against injustice--warnings delivered most often to a nation that God had chosen to set apart for Himself. I confess I'm tired of reading polarizing political commentary and Facebook posts filled with memes or slogans that attempt to reduce complex subjects and dismiss the suffering of others, but I am always encouraged by reading about a righteous and just God who abhors sin and chose to redeem me while I was still dead in my sin.