On June 13, Shai Linne, a retired American Christian rapper, posted a series of tweets about social justice, racism, the church’s role in culture, and other related topics:
Although it is a type of publication more focused on the American context, I believe that much of what this thread is about would be useful for our Brazilian context, even for the brothers from other Portuguese-speaking countries who accompany us here. Shai Linne for her permission to translate it and post it as an article here on the blog and kindly granted it. I encourage your reading!
Today, labels float wildly, are often used pejoratively and almost always unnecessarily.
I understand the desire to label and categorize people and their positions, it helps us categorize them in our mental register. After putting a tag on you, I can easily say: is he an ally? Or can I say? Cancelled? And finished. And ready.
First, is there nothing Christian about cancellation? Christians are commanded: “Support each other, forgive each other if someone has a complaint against another. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, you also forgive” (Cl 3:13).
At the same time, it became popular to accuse people of “flags of virtue. “It seems to me that, by definition, you cannot launch that accusation against someone without judging the reasons for a person’s heart. But we’re Christians, so we try not to do that, right?
But do I laugh when I hear the expression?To be told about me, because doing or saying popular things was my motivation, I would have started years earlier!I’d probably have fewer grayberries and a few more fans and ex-friends.
One of the reasons I’ve always hesitated to get involved on social media is what I think are the inherent limitations of nuances and contexts, the ingredients for effective communication.
But I understand that social media is an important form of public discourse in our culture and, therefore, I try to handle them and use speeches that do not bother me on the last day on which I must be held accountable (Mt 12:36). I don’t always understand well and I need God’s grace when I don’t.
A lot of what I’ve said recently may seem new to some people, like I’m involved in a current wave or something, but I’ve been saying these things literally for years. It’s on my first album (The Atonement). And, actually, splattered all over my work.
But they were intentionally “sprayed” and not “saturated” because I believed at the time, and I still believe it, that the gospel should be a priority. Christ’s person and work are the most important thing I can share with anyone. But I will not ignore the important implications of the gospel.
I tried to be true to the belief that I knew nothing but Christ, and was crucified for nearly twenty years in public office. So, if a single tweet or article makes you put me in your “Social Punisher” folder, you may want to consider why it’s so easy to do so.
People are complex beings. That’s how God created us. Most people are larger than the mental files we put them in. It is possible that two (or two thousand) things are true at the same time.
I can totally agree and appreciate things about John MacArthur, or Jonathan Edwards, for example, and at the same time, completely disagree with other things. And you can fill that void with any number of public Christian personalities.
Jesus doesn’t fit perfectly into our common categories of modern polarization, so why should we expect his disciples to do so? If we are faithful to the Bible, there must be times when all feet walk harmoniously, including ours.
So, am I retired? Yes
Cessationist? Don’t do it.
Republican? Don’t do it.
Does that make me a Democrat? Don’t do it
I’m a conservative. In some things.
I’m a liberal? Liberal of what?No, theology, justice for the poor and oppressed?Yes, according to what you mean by that.
Do I hate and suffer from abortion? Yes
Do I hate and suffer from police brutality and racial injustice?Yes.
Do I see a place for peaceful protests about these two things?
Do I support riots and looting? Do not do it
Do I believe that proclaiming the gospel in words and deeds is the mission of the Church?Yes.
Do I think that many reformed churches fail seriously when it comes to discipeding members on issues related to racism and injustice?
I could literally go on for hours if we sat down for a cup of tea (socially distanced), there are many things that I’m sure we would be surprised to know about each other, but none of this would change the fact that Christ is our treasure and that the gospel is our only hope.
The benefit of doubt is something we always expect from others, but we find it difficult to grant them, it is because it is a gift that we are more likely to offer to those we love, so if you love me, I thank you very much. This gift! And I’m going to try to give it back.
Ok thanks.