Edgework

In a previous article I attempted to connect the dots between the various political seasons that came with the year 2011. I noted that neo-liberalism, based on the three pillars – the privatization of the public sector, deregulation of industry and non-interference of governments in the flow of wealth – has created a massive global debt crisis. Wealth, that once served society as a whole, has now been concentrated in the hands of the few.

The question I want to pursue in this article is how people of faith, particularly Christians, should respond to this crisis. I do not have a definitive answer, but I will be casting about for ideas about Christian faithfulness in these troubled time.

Of course responses will vary on a spectrum that stretches all the way from doing nothing on the one hand and fomenting revolution on the other. I suspect that the best responses, however, will lie somewhere in between these two extremes.

Let’s first consider the option of doing nothing. I suspect this is the most common response within the Christian churches of North America. And there are various reasons for this. First, many within the church simply are not aware of what is happening globally. They may notice a shift in their financial status but do not connect this to the big picture. They assume that with a little help they would be able to fix their financial problems.

And then most of what happens at church is focused on personal piety. There is still a fear, especially in conservative evangelical churches, that to concern oneself with social justice issues is to step onto the slippery slope that leads to liberalism. And so many Christians carry on with being and doing church without reference to the global financial crisis.

I find this non-response unacceptable. I have a sense that if Christ walked among us today he would be hanging out with those on the fringes of our society most affected by the upward flight of wealth. At least that is what he did in the Gospels a lot. He would not totally shun the wealthy – they too are in need of redemption – but such persons he would challenge not only to look out for themselves. So we can’t just sit on our hands while this financial crisis encircles the globe.

Fomenting revolution lies at the other end of the spectrum. Now whether such a move is faithful or not might depend on the kind of revolution one is anticipating. Violent confrontation to even the score draws us into the cycle of violence that has created the problem in the first place. History is replete with examples of violent revolutions in which the victors turned out to be every bit as violent as those they originally fought against.

Some Christians see it as their responsibility to participate in a non-violent revolution. Indeed I know people of profound faith who have participated in the Occupy Movement of recent months. While this may not be the choice or calling for every Christian, I believe there might be a time and place to simply show up in solidarity with others to draw attention to injustice.

Of course when such Christians arrive at a non-violent protest they will invariably learn that they share common concerns with people of different faith or no faith at all. Some have suggested that should be a signal for Christians to withdraw back into their fortresses. However, just because people different from us share our passion for justice is not enough reason for us to back away. In fact, remaining in this mixed company will provide plenty of opportunity to bear witness to how our faith informs our actions.

So what remains in the middle ground between sitting on our hands and non-violent protest?

First, I suggest that Christians should inform themselves about what is happening on the global scene. Involvement will only arise from awareness that something is wrong. Now I understand that not everyone in the church has the time or skill to be on top of global dynamics. But there are some believers in the church particularly gifted for this purpose. The church should make room for their voices to be heard.

Second, it might be appropriate for Christians to simply stop playing the game that has permitted the massive upward flow of wealth. That has only been possible because as individuals in society we have allowed ourselves to be defined as “consumers.” Increasing consumption of goods and services, especially those provided by the wealthy, plays right into their hands. Unfortunately, Christians in North America have largely sold out to individualism and materialism, the two main ingredients needed for consumerism. If enough Christians opt out of the consumer game, especially the one run by multi-national corporations, a new day of justice will have begun to dawn.

Third, I believe there is a time and place for Christians to bear witness in the public square about social justice. Historically, in monarchial systems, average citizens could hardly even think in terms of influencing the political and social realities of their communities and countries, let alone the whole world. But democracies depend upon people who let their voices be heard.

Some Christians still think of themselves in terms of the monarchial setup in which they simply accept what the powers that be provide. But as Christians in a democratic society, I believe it is incumbent upon us to advocate for greater equality and social justice, both locally and globally. And we can go even one step further by supporting and participating in organizations such as MCC, MEDA, CFGB, MDS etc. who are trying to make a difference for those most affected by the global disparity of wealth.

I am sure there are many other ways to express our faith in the various seasons we live through individually and as a society. The option of doing nothing is off the table. So what is on your table?