Why Christians Refuse To Support #BlackLivesMatter: An American Perspective

By Audrey Bang (@audreysooeun on Instagram)

Whenever I see someone touting an American flag, Bible, rifle, and MAGA hat, I can’t help but wonder why. I don’t wonder why we Christians are so infamous for our racism and various “phobias”; that answer is far too obvious. But I do wonder why blind republicanism is so rampant in the so-called ‘Bible Belt’. I wonder why so many churchgoers insist that “all lives” and “blue lives matter”. And, most importantly, I wonder why we allow blatantly racist, conniving politicians to unrepentantly claim a place in the Church.

After media outlets erupted with the murders of individuals such as George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, I waited to hear what my pastor would say. I also waited for a response from other teachers and theologians I admire, many of whom amass thousands of listeners and churchgoers each Sunday. As a result, I learned that there are predominantly two Christian reactions to the Black Lives Matter movement: silence or flagrant opposition. My church friends and extended family members posted frequently on social media about the lootings, protests, and clashes between police and citizens. Despite their nebulous, half-apologetic ramblings on “African Americans” and “division”, the words “racism”, “Black”, and “police brutality” were never mentioned.

I could rant about this for weeks, but the question remains: why do so many American Christians refuse to support the Black Lives Matter movement? Rather than attack Christians ad hominem, I aim to address and debunk some of the reasons I’ve heard from my brothers and sisters in Christ this past summer.

Reason #1: “The Black Lives Matter organization is unbiblical”.

Simply put, this argument throws the baby out with the bathwater. I would never tell Christians that we must support a specific organization or donate to its founders; rather, I urge you to remember that the BLM organization and the BLM movement are separate. They are distinct and discrete. Many activists are not affiliated with the organization, so please, do not cast the responsibilities and values of that organization onto other individuals. Just as so many of us quickly point out that “not all cops are bastards”, let’s remember that not all members of a movement (or organization) possess identical beliefs and opinions.

More importantly: by stating that you don’t support the BLM movement because of a different organization with the same name, you’ve essentially stated that your personal— not Biblical— principles are more important than Black life. I hope that this irony is not entirely lost, especially not for those individuals who adamantly denounce abortion. Why is the advocacy for unborn life so simple, yet support for the Black Lives Matter movement so inextricably complicated?

Reason #2: “All lives matter.”

Obviously, no one can prevent you from stating that “all lives matter”. However, if you insist on proclaiming this phrase, I would urge you to remember Matthew 23:4 (NIV): “They tie up heavy, cumbersome loads and put them on other people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them.” If all lives matter, what do you do to help immigrant families and asylum-seekers—i.e. the “sojourners” and strangers mentioned in Leviticus 19:33-34, Deuteronomy 27:19, Zechariah 7:9-10 and Matthew 25:35? What of those who are financially disadvantaged, who lack food, clean clothes, a house? What do you do to help and minister to them? As Christians, we must ensure that our political views align with what the Bible teaches. If your vote fails to support or provide for these individuals, then your claim that all lives matter is pure hypocrisy.

Although you certainly don’t need to prove that you do “good deeds” for everyone, in Matthew 5:16, Jesus commands, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” We do not perform good deeds for other people; however, our good deeds (and Godly character) should be visible. If you say that all lives matter, practice what you preach. It’s that simple.

Reason #3: “Romans 13:1-2 says Christians shouldn’t rebel against our authorities. President Trump condemns BLM protests and activists; therefore, we should obey God by obeying the government."

Speaking of hypocrisy, this statement genuinely makes me laugh aloud. I can guarantee that the same people who now quote Romans 13:1-2 were not nearly so eager to “obey” President Obama only a few years ago. If you protested against the legalization of LGBTQ+ marriage in 2015, then you’ve essentially “[rebelled] against what God has instituted”. If you’ve ever refused to wear a mask in a required area or situation, then you’ve only brought judgment on yourself once again. My point is that if Christians truly wish to obey God, we should obey our authorities regardless of whether they’re a Democrat or a Republican.

However, I don’t mean to say that citizens should never attempt to achieve political or social change. Expressing discontent or exposing injustice is not disobedience. I merely wish to highlight so many Christians’ complacency as they watch the Trump administration wreak havoc, division, and exacerbate inequality across the nation. Rather than command blind obedience to the government, Romans 13:1-2 emphasizes that we ought to ultimately obey God. Moreover, verse 3 of that same chapter urges us to “do good”. Considering his sexist statements about women, disturbing history of racism, and his own blatant dismissal of national and international laws, Trump is not one to whom either “honor” or “fear” is due (verse 7).

If you still feel that God wants you to vote for Trump in the upcoming 2020 election, I would urge you to beware of your “feelings” and instead turn to the Bible, the Word of God. Titus 3:10 (ESV) states, “As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him”. 1 Corinthians 5:11 also states, “But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother if he is guilty of sexual immorality or greed, or is an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or swindler—not even to eat with such a one.” In Romans 16:17 (ESV), the Apostle Paul also writes, “I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them.”