How do we continue the conversation of evil in God’s name?

Evil in God’s Name

¬Be ready to challenge the thinking of those who believe God is not looking. A constructive challenge can come in the form of narrative.  Look for life stories that illuminate God’s work through human acts in response to evil being done in God’s name.  Discover and recount stories of survivors from a refuge camp in Darfur, the Holocaust or an abusive cult.  God works powerfully through God’s people to combat evil.

¬Prayerfully pursue information and commit to critical thinking so that you are ready to engage in conversation when someone is claiming God is in an evil or questionable act. 

¬How about a little self-talk?  Self-inspection…Is anything you do in God’s name evil?  Perhaps your intention is positive, but the result is damaging.  For example, hammering end times theology into a resistant colleague when you really don’t know anything at all about her life circumstances.   Pay attention to your own impact – that’s part of the humbleness pursuit.

¬Express sorrow and compassion when Christian leaders fail.  Don’t keep it “hush-hush” or pretend it’s not happening.  Use such situations to allow people to open up in conversations about their behavior expectations for Christian leaders and for themselves.  Anger is appropriate and defensiveness is not helpful.  Be ready to listen as others process their feelings. Consider the possibility of being part of a restoration process when possible. 

¬Indifference is not God’s attitude.  Is it yours?  We are called to pursue justice, while also loving mercy and walking humbly.  When evil is being done in God’s name, it’s your business.