Biblical Perspective on "Black Lives Matter"

The social, political and economic environment we're living in here in the United States is testing the strength and fortitude of Biblical truth and morality to the point where far too many self-proclaimed Christians are universally confused regarding what's right and what's wrong. I have wrestled mightily over the past 5+ months living in a country consumed with COVID statistics, freedom of choice rights, and political protests (both peaceful and violent) to understand why the church is so confused regarding relative truth and how we, as Christians, should respond. We are encouraged to filter every message we read and hear through the pages of Scripture to discern its validity as wisdom or foolishness, so why do we lean on our own understanding more often than not? Scripture teaches, "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world" (1 John 4:1). However, I am continually amazed how dismissive our nation has become of Biblical foundations concerning ethics, morality and integrity, and how easily Christians are swayed by political correctness and fear of judging others. Keep in mind, the Bible does not condemn judging the actions of others, but rather to hold ourselves accountable, first and foremost, to the same standard of righteousness by which we judge. Jesus taught, "Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye" (Matthew 7:1–5). Notice Jesus did not condemn judging others to the extent of speaking truth in love and actively helping one another avoid sinful decisions. Rather, He commanded us to first remove the log from our own eye in order to clearly take the speck out of our brother's eye. However, the enemy has twisted our minds to resist making judgment calls and question the supreme authority of God's Word, just as he did in the garden of Eden. "Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, "Did God actually say, ‘You shall not eat of any tree in the garden’?"" (Genesis 3:1).

What is most concerning is how easily influenced Christians have succumbed via cultural pressure to embrace and champion "Black Lives Matter," but what does that necessarily mean? Keep in mind, there is a distinct difference between believing the slogan, "Black Lives Matter," and endorsing the organization, Black Lives Matter. However, our culture has rather easily convinced the majority of society through predominately liberal, social media platforms they are intertwined and one in the same. Therefore, let us be unequivocally clear from a Biblical perspective: THEY ARE NOT! For to lump them together assumes an endorsement of extreme ideologies and outright demands which boldly reject Biblical doctrine and Jesus Himself, the cornerstone of our faith. However, many Christians fail to realize this simple fact. "But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ" (2 Corinthians 11:3). At the crux of the confusion is the inability to truly know what the BLM organization seeks to change both domestically and abroad. Their website is specifically vague regarding their entire smorgasbord of beliefs/demands, strategically inclusive of specific demographics while indirectly exclusive of others, and provides no accessible links to the policy reformations they demand. One must extensively research their respective history [CLICK HERE] to know their official policy agendas are housed separately on the Movement For Black Lives website. It begs the question why the BLM organization would not provide links on their website to such critical information which specifically outlines their agenda. If they have nothing to hide, why not provide full disclosure, including complete financial accountability, for all people to educate themselves accordingly and determine whether they desire to partner with the BLM organization further? Jesus said, "For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God" (John 3:20–21). Therefore, let us consider what information is publicly available and accessible on their respective websites and filter that information through the pages of Scripture to determine from a Biblical perspective whether God's Word endorses their political agenda. For further review, visit the Movement for Black Lives website [CLICK HERE] for complete details on their extensive policy platform demands which include...

Keep in mind, the BLM organization is transparent and laser-focused on specific, belief pillars [CLICK HERE] which should definitely capture the attention and concern of Christ-followers because they specifically contradict Biblical doctrine. For example:

BLM: "We disrupt the Western-prescribed nuclear family structure requirement by supporting each other as extended families and “villages” that collectively care for one another, especially our children, to the degree that mothers, parents, and children are comfortable."

BLM: "We foster a queer‐affirming network. When we gather, we do so with the intention of freeing ourselves from the tight grip of heteronormative thinking, or rather, the belief that all in the world are heterosexual (unless s/he or they disclose otherwise)."

The traditional, nuclear family structure is one where both parents (father and mother) are present in the home. This is significant considering 2 of the 3 founders of Black Lives Matter, Alicia Garza and Patrisse Cullors, identify as “queer” black women. Notice their belief of "fostering a queer-affirming network" immediately follows their mission to disrupt the nuclear family. This is NOT a coincidence but intentional to justify same-sex attraction and homosexuality, which in the context of gay-marriage disrupts the nuclear family structure. What then does God's Word have to say? Jesus specifically quoted Genesis 2:24 to those who questioned the validity of Scripture concerning God's design of heterosexual marriage. Therefore, why would we not heed His warning today? "He (Jesus) answered, 'Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female, and said, "Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh"?'" (Matthew 19:4–5). Scripture also condemns same-sex attraction/relations in Romans 1:18-32 and further articulates God's position on homosexuality as sin. "Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality" (1 Corinthians 6:9). Moreover, what is interesting to note considering BLM's "care for one another, especially our children" is their silence regarding abortion and black youth on black youth gang violence which Dr. Eric Wallace, President and Co-founder of Freedom's Journal Institute, vocalized in his article, Exposing Black Lives Matter. Keep in mind, Dr. Wallace, a highly respected leader in the black community, published this article over 4-years ago during the Obama administration, yet the BLM organization has not revised or shifted their stance since, only grown exponentially in popularity most recently.

"The troubling emphasis of the BLM movement on homosexuality and gender confusion must be exposed... By affirming what God condemns, BLM stands in opposition to the transformative power of Jesus.

While BLM claims to seek justice for oppressed and victimized persons around the world, they fail to address the genocide of black babies through abortion or the deaths of young African American males from gang violence in their list of social injustices. Apparently, what matters most to BLM is ideology.

One of the dangers of BLM is that it pulls on the heartstrings of those who really care about life—both blacks and whites. Ironically, those who claim concern for black lives ignore the abortion of black babies and the killing of black boys by other black boys in gang violence. While focusing almost exclusively on race as the source of injustice and harm, BLM engage in the politics of racial grievance.

The politics of racial grievance trigger an emotional response that ultimately shuts down logical inquiry or debate, rendering people vulnerable to emotional manipulation. It is designed to exploit whites and blacks alike. In whites, it creates guilt for segregation, Jim Crow laws, and slavery even though systemic racism was defeated decades ago. The politics of racial grievance is intended to make whites feel guilty so that they’ll make concessions to black leadership, funding the programs and activities sanctioned by black leaders.

The politics of racial grievance works on black people too. It galvanizes black solidarity behind a cause, including causes unworthy of black allegiance. The idea is that if anyone should be “down with the cause,” black people should, and if you’re not, you’re a sell-out, an Uncle Tom. Black people are expected to support black causes, period. No questions asked.

This is not a new phenomenon. Booker T. Washington identified people in his day that used the politics of racial grievance to manipulate blacks: 

'There is another class of coloured people who make a business of keeping the troubles, the wrongs, and the hardships of the Negro race before the public. Having learned that they are able to make a living out of their troubles, they have grown into the settled habit of advertising their wrongs — partly because they want sympathy and partly because it pays. Some of these people do not want the Negro to lose his grievances, because they do not want to lose their jobs.'

The dubious goal of the politics of racial grievance exploited by BLM and others is to finance their causes. Thus, in order to advance their agendas, they have to come up with a negative narrative regardless of its veracity. The story must pull on the heartstrings of blacks to ensure solidarity and of whites to keep them feeling guilty and compliant. Hence, the false narrative that “Blacks are being gunned down by white cops” excites those who have been conditioned to accept the claim regardless of its factual accuracy."

In summary...

"According to BLM, “black liberation” can be achieved only by reversing the roles of master and slave. The tragic truth is that the policies sought by BLM only serve to keep the black community enslaved. The freedom BLM proposes is not freedom at all. It is slavery under a different master. It calls on black Christians who are already free in Christ to abandon their freedom for black solidarity, which for the Christian is a form of idolatry. The politics of BLM is the politics of racial grievance, a tool used to manipulate both blacks and whites alike." 

There is no denying the Bible condemns abortion (Exodus 20:13; Proverbs 6:16-19), homosexuality, gender-confusion, and gay-marriage, yet how many Christians are aware of additional policy reforms the BLM organization demands which discreetly outline their support for abortion clinics (i.e. full reproductive services) and sex change/reassignment treatments/surgeries for transgenders under the umbrella of universal health care requirements?

M4BL/BLM: "We demand... Real, meaningful, and equitable universal health care that guarantees: proximity to nearby comprehensive health centers, culturally competent services for all people, specific services for queer, gender nonconforming, and trans people, full bodily autonomy, full reproductive services, mental health services, paid parental leave, and comprehensive quality child and elder care." [CLICK HERE]

Moreover, would Christians be alarmed to learn the BLM organization demands the decriminalization of "illegal" drugs and prostitution (i.e. making them 100% legal), immediate release of prisoners convicted of drug-related offenses and prostitution, and compensation/reparations for those previously incarcerated for illegal drug and prostitution convictions?

M4BL/BLM: "We demand... The retroactive decriminalization, immediate release and record expungement of all drug related offenses and prostitution, and reparations for the devastating impact of the “war on drugs” and criminalization of prostitution, including a reinvestment of the resulting savings and revenue into restorative services, mental health services, job programs and other programs supporting those impacted by the sex and drug trade." [CLICK HERE]

While it may shock some Christians the BLM organization would passionately pursue the legalization of prostitution, examine the argument presented by the liberal, American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) entitled, "Sex Work Is Real Work And It's Time To Treat It That Way." Moreover, this initiative is being further pursued at the federal level via a bill [H.R.5448 - SAFE SEX Workers Study Act] recently introduced December 17, 2019 and sponsored by Rep. Khanna, Ro [D-CA-17]. How can this be? Does the legalization of sex work not further exacerbate the atrocities of rape, abortion, human trafficking, pedophilia, etc., plaguing our country? The ACLU's argument is this: Promoting the decriminalization of prostitution would reduce violence against women and LGBTQ, protect personal health, advance LGBTQ equality for "sex work" as a legal profession, and reduce incarcerations. How then should Christians respond? Scripture exhorts, "Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body" (1 Corinthians 6:18–20). Therefore, we must examine what God's Word warns regarding the judgment which awaits those who reject His standard of absolute truth and righteousness to appease their fleshly desires.

"For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things. Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen. For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error" (Romans 1:18–27).

In the end, it is critical each and every Christ-follower examines and researches in detail the numerous policy platforms the BLM organization demands. However, knowing what "Black Lives Matter" stands for is meaningless if the Word of God is not positioned as the spiritual thermometer of absolute truth in our hearts and minds without reservation. Therefore, our hearts should mirror King David's who, though he committed grievous sins against the Lord, never doubted the absolute truth of God's Word nor questioned His supreme authority. "The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the LORD are true, and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward" (Psalm 19:7–11). For devoid of Scripture, we have no moral compass to guide our path and help us discern the onslaught of cultural/political pressure facing every U.S. citizen to either endorse "Black Lives Matter" ideologies or face persecution and be socially ostracized. However, as mentioned previously, there is a distinct difference between believing the slogan, "Black Lives Matter," and endorsing the organization, Black Lives Matter. Therefore, we must choose wisely who we align our beliefs and personal doctrine with. For our culture has already transformed "Black Lives Matter" into an idol which carries far-reaching ramifications few Christians are aware of nor able to intelligently articulate because of their lack of knowledge and understanding. Therefore, it is imperative Christ-followers of all races wake up and realize their endorsement of the slogan, "Black Lives Matter," is publicly perceived throughout American culture as a BLANKET ENDORSEMENT of numerous ideologies which boldly and unashamedly contradict God's Word. Liberal media would have us believe conservative ideologies are to blame for suppressing freedoms of choice, expression and prosperity to the citizens of our country. However, "For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another" (Galatians 5:1,13–15). In conclusion, may we carefully consider the exhortation Dr. Wallace provides to illuminate our minds and challenge us to carefully consider which truth we endorse (absolute or relative), and more importantly, to whom (God or idol) we ultimately serve.

"BLM has created a false image. The BLM movement is interested in promoting a 'progressive' social and political agenda—not in truly protecting black lives. They affirm homosexual activity and relationships, illegal immigration, and black liberation. Stories of the indisputably tragic deaths of black people at the hands of white cops are continually propagated while the tragic and senseless loss of preborn black babies’ lives and the lives of blacks gunned down in gang violence receive relatively little public attention.

Unfortunately, instead of uniting voices in an urgent call for righteousness and right relations between people, in Ferguson, Missouri, and Baltimore, Maryland, BLM encouraged civil disobedience that became violent. How does that square with what Jesus said in Matthew 5:43-44:

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven.”

The church has lost its way. We are suffering the consequences of having far too many church attendees and not enough disciples. After his resurrection, Jesus spoke these words:

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age' (Matt. 28: 18-20).”

It’s high time we focus on what Jesus commands. Indeed, He died and rose again because black lives do matter. However, He calls those black lives and all who would follow Him to a greater righteousness that is only found through life lived in Him. The church has the authority to change our communities for Christ, but it must be done for His glory and not our own agenda. It must be done in a way that glorifies God and does not promote racial division. May God help us to faithfully follow after Him, forsaking all else."