Communal Riot – A Biblical Response


Figure 1: The 2020 Delhi Riot (Source: Live Law.in)
Three days’ riot in Northeast Delhi area which erupted on 23 February 2020 and had been killed 52 people[1], has put down our head in shame again, wounded the humanity badly and destroyed the fabric of brotherhood among communities. It is clear that riot does not happen, but it is done to serve the end of political objectives. It is dreadful to watch news and read newspapers as we see the changing of socio-political scenario and being encouraged the hateful speeches which had caused the 2020 Delhi Riot. Morality has lost its meaning in Indian politics and religious bigotry has reached its apex point in early 21st century in India. 


There are some unanswered questions, which have deepened the distrust on emergency services i.e. why did Delhi police not act promptly to control the riot? Why did police delay to register the FIRs against those who gave the hate speeches? Why did Justice S. Muralidhar get transfer in same day, when he questioned on police and civil administration’s failure to provide the adequate safety of people? However we as a Christian need to respond biblically on the question echoing in our ears: how should a Christian response to such dreadful environment to maintain the peace? There are four suggestions we should follow to be torch bears of hope midst the despair.

Pray for the government (1 Tim. 2:2-4)

The believers in early church were persecuted, for they were eventually regarded as atheists, cannibals and traitors. Nothing has changed, charges on us are similar even in 21st century. We believers in India are regarded as anti-Hindus, beef eaters and anti-nationals. However Apostle Paul encouraged the young Timothy to pray for government despite of having hostile government of Rome. Similarly it encourages us to pray and submit to the government (Rom. 13:1-7), for God is sovereign, not government. Therefore pray earnestly that there may be peace everywhere.


Promote the harmony among communities (Rom. 12:18)

Our India is known as the birth place of major religions of world – Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism. In other words, India is built on fabric of pluralism in the sense of spirituality, philosophical wisdom, languages, cultures, customs and geographical status. Therefore it is crucial for us to live in harmony within the society regardless the differences. But it does mean to live in compromise. The scripture guides us explicitly saying, “If possible, so far so it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” God also does not discriminate people, but give them equally the sunlight and rain (Mt. 5:45). Therefore promote the harmony that there may be peace among people.

Pursue for life worthy to repentance (2 Chro. 7:14) 

Evangelicalism in our present age is based on three points of cognitive pursuits only.  No connection between three ‘H’ – Head, Heart and Hand. Consequently churches are filled with goats instead of sheep. It is true that salvation is not by works, but equivalently genuine salvation is not without work. Faith and grace are not licences to sin (Rom. 6:1-4). In other words, God called us to bear fruit in keeping with repentance (Mt. 3:8). Therefore pursue the life reflecting the peace within us.

Proclaim the Gospel of peace (Eph. 6:15, 2 Cor. 5:18-20)

Gospel is good news which publishes peace, brings happiness and proclaims salvation (Is. 52:7). Gospel is about Jesus Christ who died, buried and resurrected according to the Scripture (1 Cor. 15:1-4) and prepared the way to come to the Father God (Jn. 14:6). In Christ, the peace between God and men is established. Therefore proclaim the gospel of peace that there may be peace between God and the world.

Conclusion

Finally I would like to encourage my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ to strive for the peace in all things that the world may have hope in Christ. Let the Lord enlighten our mind and illuminate our heart as we meditate on HIS Word. I pray that may the Lord provide all your needs, protect you from physical harms; and preserve your soul and being from evils! 

Let us strive for peace in and out even it seems to be odd.

-------------------------------------------------
References:
The 2020 Delhi Riot, Photo Retrieved from Live Law.in on 18th March, 2020


[1] Stela Dey, NDTV, 52 Indians Died, Won't Say Hindu-Muslim": Amit Shah On Delhi Riots, Retrieved on 18th March, 2020

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