You Need to Read This

Several years ago I was introduced to the work of theologian and Bible scholar Walter Wink. Wink has spent his career advocating--in both practical and academic ways--for the importance of nonviolent resistance against oppressive powers. Some of his most famous "on the ground" work took place in South Africa. Some of his most important books have been about how Jesus taught a "third way" of resistance to violence and oppression. Neither returning violence for violence or being passive in the face of oppression, Wink argues that Jesus' third way was one of active non-violent resistance. In addition to Jesus, whom Wink portrays in a way that is new to many Christians, this form of non-violent resistance has been exemplified in modern times by Gandhi and Martin Luther King.

Yesterday on Jim Wallis' blog, I read an incredible story about two young people who have clearly been influenced by this way of thinking. Shane Claiborne writes about how he and his young friend responded to an act of violence in a way that follows in the footsteps of Jesus' non-violent resistance. You need to read this remarkable story. I don't know if I could have acted the same in this situation.

We live in a violent world, from the streets of Chicago to the streets of Baghdad. I believe that Jesus' "third way" of creative and active non-violent resistance could go a long way toward bringing peace to our hurting world.