We CARE: A Biblical Framework for Engaging Conversations on Controversial Social Issues

By Dr. Barrett Mosbacker

September 16, 2017

I recently moved to St. Louis to become the Head of School for Westminster Christian Academy. As most of my readers are aware, three years ago smoke and flames filled the streets of Ferguson, Missouri. The riots began after the fatal shooting of Michael Brown on August 9, 2014. What fewer of my readers may know is that in December 2011, former St. Louis police officer Jason Stockley shot and killed Anthony Lamar Smith. Yesterday a judge issued his verdict acquitting Jason Stockley of murder.

Given the tensions surrounding police shootings in St. Louis and across the nation, we anticipated a reaction in our community if the former officer was found not guilty. With that in mind, I wrote a letter to our staff and parents offering a biblical perspective on how to respond to events like this.

Although this case may not affect you directly, there are many controversial issues that do or will. Perhaps what I shared with our school community will be helpful to you or to others you know.

I am writing to offer a perspective on the verdict in the Jason Stockley trial. While I am new to the area, I am aware that this case and its outcome elicit strong emotions for many. Because we come from many different life experiences and personal circumstances, our responses to events like this can vary widely.

Because God’s Word is instructive to all, regardless of background, it provides guidance for times such as these. As believers, we are to be in the world — engaged and caring — while not being of the world, that is, not molded into its worldview, value system, or behaviors. We are called to “take every thought captive to obey Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5). As we consider how the Lord would have us respond, perhaps the following will be helpful.

Justice

He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? (Micah 6:8).

God has a profound concern for justice, and so should we. Justice is to be blind — without prejudice, bias, or favoritism of any kind. We should grieve at any injustice and lovingly and actively work to promote it.

Humility

It is worth noting that kindness and humility are paired with justice in that passage. This focus on humility and kindness balances and softens the potential harshness of a pursuit of justice alone. It is similar to the biblical command to speak the truth in love. Truth spoken without love is harsh; love without truth is dishonest and, ultimately, harmful. Likewise, justice without humility and kindness leads to conflict. Humility and kindness without justice allows evil to grow.

Seeking the Welfare of the City

But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare (Jeremiah 29:7).

This is closely related to seeking justice. Our neighbors and our community are harmed when justice is not promoted and upheld. They are equally harmed when we fail to promote peace and understanding. Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God” (Matthew 5:9).

Loving Our Neighbor and Weeping with Those Who Weep

Regardless of our personal perspectives on this or any other issue, we are always to love our neighbor (Mark 12:31). If our neighbors are hurting over the outcome of this case, we should be sensitive to that hurt and grieve alongside them. Paul instructs us to “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another” (Romans 12:15–16). Notice that whether we are rejoicing or weeping, we do so in harmony — not in conflict — with each other.

As our community grapples with this issue, I invite you to discuss the situation with your children, reminding them of the biblical truth that is to guide our thoughts, words, and actions. Remember that what they see and overhear from us has more impact than what we tell them directly.

Each of us is a member of the Westminster community and the body of Christ. As such, we have an opportunity and a responsibility to love one another by working to understand others’ perspectives and feelings. Let us commit ourselves — and encourage our children — to avoid harsh judgments, unkind words, and celebrations that could wound our neighbors or provoke conflict.

Our Faculty and Staff Are Here to Help

We love your children. As an expression of that love, we will provide them opportunities to deal honestly with their feelings, and we will do all we can to help them respond in a way that is healthy, that maintains peace, and that promotes unity. To that end, we will be helping our students work through complex and often controversial issues using the We CARE model.¹

In appropriate classes — Bible, History, and Race and Culture — we will help our students listen carefully and seek to understand the perspectives and feelings of others (James 1:19–21). Teachers, where it seems appropriate and timely, will help students wrestle with honest questions to promote deeper understanding:

• Why do you think the judge made this decision? (Rationale)
• Why is there anger? What lies behind it? (Empathy)
• What is my responsibility as a Christian during times like these? (Loving my neighbor, promoting justice and peace)

We value your prayers for our school community, our city, and our nation. Please talk with your children about the outcome of this trial and encourage them to speak with their teachers and guidance counselors. Our Director of Diversity, the entire counseling department, and other members of our staff will seek to equip our students and faculty to be instruments of peace and unity throughout this challenge.

Your servant in Christ,

Barrett Mosbacker

Head of School