In a world where conflict, hate, and violence seem never-ending, how can we overcome racism and injustice? The Rev. James Lawson believes that nonviolence, rooted in truth and love, is key to winning the struggle. And by nonviolence, he doesn’t mean being passive. When based in truth and love, nonviolence includes taking direct action to resist wrongs and confront injustice.
Our event Light in the Darkness took place weeks after one of the most divisive presidential elections in U.S. history. Amid threats of nationwide violence and the ongoing Covid crisis, we invited faith leaders to explore the spiritual and political challenges facing us and ways we might respond.
Rev. Lawson, our keynote speaker, opened the conversation. “You won’t like what I’m going to say,” he began, “because very few folk in the United States think it’s important.” He then explained the historical roots of nonviolence, which he contended grew in the U.S. Black community through the Negro spiritual.
Nonviolence, Truth and Love
These spirituals or hymns began under force – owners ordered slaves to sing in order to track their location. But with themes of spiritual freedom and power, the songs became a “first line of defense” against slaves’ circumstances. Despite their shackles, African Americans knew themselves to be free because their souls lived beyond this world, in God’s dignity, truth and love. Choosing this truth, rooted in compassion, was what fueled the Underground Railroad, an early example of nonviolent resistance. Truth and love also powered the U.S. nonviolent movement for civil rights – for which Rev. Lawson was a key strategist.
Like Gandhi did, Rev. Lawson believes that love is the most powerful force available to humankind. And he shared his belief that if the U.S. doesn’t overcome racism, sexism, violence and plantation capitalism with nonviolence, truth and love, we will help lead civilization to self destruction.
From there, our panelists reflected on Rev. Lawson’s comments. They shared thoughts on the current social and political landscape and how we can stay grounded in truth and love. We hope to continue this important discussion on nonviolence and the struggle for a more just and compassionate country.
Rev. James M. Lawson
The Rev. James M. Lawson Jr. is internationally recognized as the leading strategist and trainer to U.S. nonviolence leaders and a confidant to the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Time Magazine listed Rev. Lawson as one of seven icons of the nonviolence movement who paved the way for President Barack Obama’s historic election. He has held professorships at institutions...
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