For most residents of the United States, this is a very pressing topic that has received much media attention and roused strong reactions for supporters of either side. There have been calls for solidarity within the Black community and cries of racism abound. Everything has come into question, from the poor performance of the team assigned to collect evidence to the motivations of Zimmerman in his pursuit of Trayvon.
I do not care at this moment to comment on Zimmerman's actions, but I do wish to discuss the response to the outcome of the trial. Zimmerman was declared not guilty, for anyone who has been determined to avoid all media influence over the last few months. Admittedly, my immediate reaction was a burst of anger and outrage. I am certain that I am not alone in this response, as thousands of protests and marches were organized immediately after. With all this going on, the country seems to have created the expectation that I, as a black citizen, must feel a certain way. I must revolt, protest, do my supposed duty as a member of the race and agree with everyone else.
Yet The Christian Mind challenges me to do otherwise. To remove myself from the persuasive influence of the public and consider the event in a different light. Yes, Zimmerman was declared innocent. Parts of me may disagree, but that will do little to change the verdict. We have an established justice system, and though I may disagree, the Bible is clear on its position in regards to authority. Meaning, they must be respected and, except when in direct opposition to the word of God, they should be obeyed. The court is an instrument of authority and through the court, the man has been declared innocent. Again, this does not mean I need to agree, but I must respect it.
What do I think that looks like? I think it means that I should not harbor hate or disdain for the man, which is already aligned with the principles of Christianity. In fact, the more his actions bother me, the more I should pray for him. His actions make him no different from any other "neighbor" of mine. He should be loved as I would love myself.
What about the outcome of the case in a broader sense? Well, as a Christian I believe that God orders our steps. That our encounters and experiences are not simply random events. What I don't know that people are thinking about is that this may just be the beginning of something. If, perhaps, change is needed (which most, myself included, would agree), then this may be the catalyst. This may be what brings a new leader or a new school of thought to fruition. I thoroughly believe that our understanding of this event, and many other issues plaguing the world, are pieces, stepping stones on a path, the end of which we can neither see nor imagine.
We are attempting to control our world and that rarely, if ever, works out for the good. I have found in my personal life that my best thinking has gotten me into trouble. Of course, not by worldly standards. I have all sorts of awards and accolades attributed to my name for the work I have done. But I am fully aware that none of that would have been possible but by the grace of God. Desperation to control other people or our environment leads to violence and wars, hurt and knowing ignorance, xenophobia and societal retardation. In my own experience, it helped spawn depression, anxiety, self loathing and a host of other negative things. Even the violent reactions to the case come from an attempt to control. One might even say without too much doubt that Zimmerman's actions on the night Trayvon died were an attempt to control his environment.
I do support the need for change and those who are pushing the government to take a closer look at systematical racism, or prejudice against people groups in general (i.e. the mentally ill). We are children of God, and as such, we should all be treated with love towards our neighbor, with fairness and kindness. Moves to make that a standard rather than an exception should be supported. But I cannot condone hatred of the man or things of that nature.
Anyway, that's my opinion on the matter at hand. What say you?
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