THE FIST OR THE FAITH?

The National Socialist Movement (aka America’s Nazi Party) planned to protest the observance of Martin Luther King’s birthday on January 15 here in Lubbock. Could last Monday’s ice storm be God’s cold response to their planned protest at Randy Neugebauer Park?  Perhaps. But, such unclear subjective interpretations of the weather are not to be used when God’s clear words should be.

The National Socialist Movement’s website advocates that Martin Luther King’s birthday should not be celebrated because, among other reasons, he was “a cheater and a plagiarist and burning in Hell.” Later, they ask “why MLK always had riots and mayhem everywhere he went if he was all about peace.” Such an accusation seems hypocritical coming from a group whose “25 POINTS OF AMERICAN NATIONAL SOCIALISM” includes this statement: “We demand that all non-Whites currently residing in America be required to leave the nation forthwith and return to their land of origin: peacefully or by force.”

This sentiment is consistent with their rally which only welcomed white people and their news release about the event that said, “On Jan. 15 we stand as one solid fist against those who would rob us of our heritage.” In contrast, I think Congressman Neugebauer’s statement about the planned protest was exactly right: “Bigotry and hatred are deplorable. On the day in which we will honor the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., I am confident the people of Lubbock will reject this group’s message of hate and celebrate Dr. King’s message of unity.” Amen!

Well, no one I know thinks Martin Luther King Jr. was a perfect man. He was a sinner just like the rest of us. But, his legacy is not one of racism and bigotry based on the color of one’s skin or the “purity” of one’s blood! He advocated equality, inclusion, and justice for all regardless of the skin one is wrapped in. And, I believe he focused on these things because these truths are found in God’s word.

Racial separatism and exclusivity violates several truths about human commonality found in the Bible. We all have a common Father who created us (Acts 17:26), common faults that condemn us (Romans 3:9, 23), a common favor extended to us through the gospel (Romans 1:16), a common future of judgment for our sins before us (2 Corinthians 5:10), and a common obedient faith that saves us (Acts 10:34ff.). God’s people focus on our commonality and raise the standard of the faith, not the fist!

             Ronaldo Ricardo Guzmán