Should Christ-followers support the movement called Black Lives Matter?

As the issue of racism dominates the global news wire with the oppression of Blacks seemingly at the center, I decided to check out the official Black Lives Matter website.

On social media, there are many posts shared that either promote the movement as good and needed or posts that deride the movement as unhelpful and dangerous. I want to know the truth for myself. The truth still matters!

Here is what I learned:

1. Black Lives Matter is built upon the belief that systemic racism exists within North America and is most prevalent among the policing communities. They describe it as "the rampant and deliberate violence inflicted on us by the state".

2. The movement is designed with the intention to "dismantle" accepted gender norms and perceived patriarchal structures. They specifically describe this as "dismantling" cisgender priviledge. The movement specifically supports the social elevation of "Black trans folk".

3. They do not identify the role of "Fathers" in the family unit and actually communicate the distinct impression that they do not support the role at all. Their website specifically only mentions the role of "Mothers" and "Parents".  Further, they desire to disrupt the "Western-prescribed nuclear family structure".

4. They stand against heteronormative thinking and speak against heterosexual identity.

Now, to be fair, the Black Lives Matter website does state that they support celebrating "differences and commonalities". They write about "a beautiful struggle that is restorative, not depleting". They use words like "empathy" and "affirm" and state that "we embody and practice justice, liberation, and peace in our engagements with one another."

As I read through the different sections of their webpage and watched a few of their videos, I found myself identifying with the plight that they so obviously feel passionate about. However, I could not help thinking about the scripture found in the gospel of Matthew. In chapter 23 and verse 28, Jesus teaches "So you also outwardly appear righteous to others, but within you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness." This is how the movement Black Lives Matter appears to me. 

As followers of the teachings of Jesus, we are to stand for:

1. Truth (Philippians 4:8)

2.  A heteronormative Identity (Genesis 1:27, Matthew 19:4, Mark 10:6)

3. The family unit as designed by our Creator (Exodus 20:12, Ezekiel 22:7)

4. A heterosexual Identity (1 Corinthians 6:9, 1 Timothy 1:10)

There are many statements made by Black Lives Matter that are impressive and encouraging, however the core of their message is what truly matters. The message this organization promotes can only be described as being like that of a whitewashed tomb that looks attractive yet is full of only death and uncleanliness. The question I asked myself to begin this blog is should Christ-followers support the Black Lives Matter movement?

The truth is that the message of Black Lives Matter is antithetical to the good news of Jesus!

Therefore, the answer must be No.

I encourage you to visit Black Lives Matter to form your own understanding.

Thank you for taking the time to read my blog. Please feel welcome to leave your thoughts if you like.

Cheers,

Patrick