towards an #anablacktivist conversation #TheNewPacifism
The Bible Or The Bullet?: A dialogue between Pilgrim Marpeck and Malcolm X
"The righteous have nothing to do with evil matters (Ezek. 18; Deut. 24) because they have not given their consent (Lk. 23; Eph. 5; 1 Tim. 5; Rev. 18; 2 Cor. 6; Ps. 26; Ex. 23). Because the Antichrist is an unbeliever and a pervert, he uses all things, including the ceremonies, in a perverted, impure manner, for to him all things are impure (Tit. 1). This abuse cannot invalidate them for the believer who understands, uses, practices, and promotes them in a correct and pure manner. The ceremonies, duly instituted, are valid in themselves and cannot, as a result of the Antichrist's impurity and abuse, become impure for the pure"- Pilgrim Marpeck, A Clear Refutation
"All of us [Black people] have suffered here, in this country, political oppression at the hands of the white man, economic exploitation at the hands of the white man, and social degradation at the hands of the white man.
Now in speaking like this, it doesn't mean that we're anti-white, but it does mean we're anti-exploitation, we're anti-degradation, we're anti-oppression. And if the white man doesn't want us to be anti-him, let him stop oppressing and exploiting and degrading us. Whether we are Christians or Muslims or nationalists or agnostics or atheists, we must first learn to forget our differences. If we have differences, let us differ in the closet; when we come out in front, let us not have anything to argue about until we get finished arguing with the man."- Malcolm X, The Ballot Or The Bullet?
I am a Christian, and I was raised to believe in Christ, trust the Holy Scripture, and was educated on how to live a Spirit-filled life at home and in the church. I am also Black. It was with a Black body that I learned the meaning of discipleship. Unfortunately we live in a society that has never been Christian (nor can be consider "postChristian") for that matter. White Supremacist kyriarchy is the air we breathe, it is the sinful atmosphere of anti-Black mythologies, the constant cover-up of Settler-Colonialism, and the turning of our backs on rape culture at large. As a Christian, as a human being made in the Image of God, I refuse to be defined by these oppressive systems. The mission of the Messiah as Christus Victor is to lead the resistance against colonialism, racism, and sexism.Ā
Subjugation is NOT a part of the natural order. Liberation IS a part of God's plan for all of humanity. Thus it is the mission of the Church to testify to this reality, to persuade the World through acts of love and solidarity and through faithfulness to the Good News of Christ's victory. Non-cooperation is the Christ-centered practice of apatheia rejecting the wicked desires of empire. What we can learn for Pilgram(or -im) Marpeck is part of the Christian's call to holiness requires non-cooperation with the government, and with yes, THE CHURCH, even to the cost of losing our very lives. In a White supremacist society, what Malcolm X can teach us is that our opposition to racism and oppression may mean the creation of alternative communities.
AnaBlacktivism presents an opportunity for the heirs of the Radical Reformation to converse with the tradition of Black Radicalism in a truly unique dialogue. An AnaBlacktivist theology is a hope theology grounded in both Peace and Liberation theological paradigms. It is a rejection of the Either/Or oppositional stances historically taken by both parties. Continuing with the example of Pilgrim Marpeck, AnaBlacktivism must avoid the Hauerwasian sectarianism of current Neo-Anabaptist thinkers. Ā While in dialogue with Black theologians and writers, AnaBlacktivism MUST set forth a decolonized anti-sexist, non-violent alternative to black nationalisms as well as all other forms.Ā
This is the beginning of what I hope to bring to the New Pacifism Synchroblog, as I strive to flesh out anablacktivist theology and ethics more.Ā
