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VIOLENCE AND VIOLENT PROTEST (CHRISTIAN VIEWS (There have been tensions in…
VIOLENCE AND VIOLENT PROTEST
THE BASICS
PROTEST: an expression of disapproval, often in a public group - this is a fundamental democratic freedom.
VIOLENT PROTEST:
e.g. 2016 Dallas shooting after black men were killed by police. Missiles were thrown and armed men confronted policemen.
e.g. riots in UK cities 2011, sparked by police shooting a man in Tottenham
VIOLENCE: using actions that threaten or harm others
The UK allows peaceful public protest marches if police are told 6 days before so violence can be avoided.
CHRISTIAN VIEWS
There have been tensions in the UK between Christian denominations, especially Protestants and Catholics; most evident in Northern Ireland between 1968 and 1998 known as ‘the Troubles’. It led to discrimination and acts of violence.
Christian teachings do not encourage a violent response. Jesus said
'Blessed are the peacemakers'
and told his followers to
turn the other cheek
, and to
love their enemies.
‘You have heard that it was said to the people long ago. ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgement’. But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgement’
(Matthew 5: 21-22)
'Do not repay anyone evil for evil...If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.'
(Romans 12:17-19)
Peaceful protest is acceptable. Pastor Martin Luther King organised peaceful protests against unjust racist laws, which achieved the gain of civil rights for Afro-American citizens.
God gave people free will, and sometimes, if non-violent protest is ignored, violence may be used to force change for the common good.
MUSLIM VIEWS
'Islam' means peace
Fighting is only allowed in self-defence, and only against those who actively fights against you.
Muslims have a duty to protest against anything unfair. In the UK we have seen protests over wars in the Middle East, what is perceived as Islamophobia, terrorism and racist issues. Some of these have become violent in nature.
‘Do not take life, which God has made sacred’
(Qur'an 17:33)
‘Do not kill each other, for God is merciful to you. If any of you does these things, out of hostility and injustice, We shall make him suffer fire’.
(Qur’an 4:29-30