What Does Faithful Resistance Look Like?

What does faithful resistance look like from Christians? Yes, you read that right. Resistance.

Dear REVwords readers.

Jocelyn and I are in our 70s. More than half of our lives have been lived in Alberta. We cannot recall a time when the world has seemed more out of balance. The government of our southern neighbours tops the list, but not too far behind is our own province’s government.

Those in power are behaving in reprehensible ways. In the past, this type of behaviour may have been covert but now it is demonstrably overt. There is a growing infatuation with Christian nationalism and authoritarianism that has had a 15-year on-ramp. It is clearly observable in the US, and in some ways seeping into Canada in general and to Alberta in particular.

As Canadians, we have long relied on our southern neighbours as trading and defence partners. That relationship appears to be a thing of the past. That is incredibly disconcerting. Equally so, our provincial government looks like they are gaslighting Albertans and scapegoating immigrants by suggesting all our health, education, and social problems are sourced in immigrants. This from the same government that wrote a letter demanding increased immigration levels and advertised that “Alberta is calling” and at one time had a vision of 10 million.

Four Questions

Albertans.

Four questions on immigration were unveiled on February 19th for a Fall referendum in Alberta. My votes? No. No. Double no. No.

As a church leader I am ill equipped to face what is needed from me. At times I feel as though I’m living through a constant context of COVID. We faced unprecedented issues and needed to rely on adaptive solutions.

Adaptive solutions are the most difficult kind of change to lead.

I will become informed and equipped for this new world.

This is resistance.

Screwtape

A friend reminded me of C. C. Lewis’ classic book, “The Screwtape Letters”. Lewis writes in a dialogue between a junior tempter and his uncle, a senior demon about ways in which they might sow discord and confusion both directly in the lives of their “charges” and in the wider world of human beings. Early in the letters, Screwtape reveals that the powers of hell work very hard to convince humans to guard against that which would remedy their ills.

Lewis picked up on a tendency of human nature. Think about Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Clearly, there is an aggressor. However, the narrative that the war is Ukraine’s fault and Russia is justified in their actions makes up the subtitles on many US mainstream media outlets. Same with Alberta and immigration.

Christian Nationalism

“The people orchestrating this reckless, unsustainable mass immigration into Canada fill me with profound disgust. Why import from nations with failed systems when our Judeo-Christian heritage and principles have worked so well here?”

The Alberta provincial government is echoing talking points from American Christian Nationalists to marginalize immigrants. The overt implications of recent statements suggest immigrants are a threat to the prosperity of Alberta.

Immigrants in Alberta pay taxes. Immigrants are not Alberta’s problem. They’re here legally. They’re the ones serving you coffee at Tim Horton’s. Immigrants are hard workers earning minimum wage in the province with the lowest minimum wage in Canada and with one of the highest costs of living.

Paul Salvatore, economic development expert in Calgary says, “Today, while levels of discrimination and xenophobia persist, some of us hide behind economic arguments to justify the raising of barriers – those that exist to serve a small niche minority.”

The “Value of Freedom” document proposed by the Alberta Prosperity Project, page 29, lists a points system for screening immigrants to Alberta. Plus an American-type deportation plan.

For Christian disciples, our frame of reference is Jesus. He is the way, the truth and the life.

The best resistance against authoritarianism and Christian Nationalism is Jesus.

Jesus loved the sinner. He called the outcasts to himself. He forgave his accusers and executioners. Jesus is the antitheses of authoritarianism. Jesus stood against power. His way is humility and servanthood. Caring for “the least of these” is honoured in his kingdom.

His actions supported the equality of women in leadership and the home.

The Centre On Faith and Justice

This is an informative discussion that Jocelyn and I watched this week. It’s one of the best insights to American history and narratives around racism. The talk is 90 minutes long. Start at the 5-minute mark. The Q&A at the end is worth watching. It’s the kind of thing you may enjoy on a 40-minute, round trip car ride.

This is not sensational. The presenters are self moderated. It is a sober look at reality and history.

Both presenters are Christians and a pleasure to hear.

How Will We Then Live In This Moment?

Dr. Matthew Taylor uses the term “liminal” to describe our moment.

Liminal defines a pause where transformation occurs, but a new phase hasn’t fully begun. Like the moment between sleeping and waking. We ae in a liminal moment between liberal democracy and authoritarianism. Democracy is threatened but not over.

Resistances looks to Jesus. Be the light. Practice empathy. Understand your neighbour. Refuse to judge. Be curious.  Reach out to trusted friends and advisors.

Check the facts.

Pray for those in authority.

Pray along with and for us.Thank you.

What do you think? Please join the conversation and post a comment below.

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