"Extremists for Hate or for Love?" Jan 13, 2023

Extremists for Hate or for Love?

“So the question is not whether we will be extremists, but what kind of extremists we will be. Will we be extremists for hate or for love? Will we be extremists for the preservation of injustice or for the extension of justice?”   - Martin Luther King Jr.
 
The word “extremism” automatically generates negative connotations. When we think of extremists, especially in today’s world, we think of people and/or groups who hold ideologies that are deemed dangerous or hateful, leading to the kind of violence and injustice that have become so pervasive and prevalent. However, what if we practiced the kind of radical extremism that Jesus practiced, specifically in regards to love, peace, and justice? 
 
I encourage each of us to model this form of extremism, especially in our present context. Practice new ways to extend our table, to choose love, not hate, unity, not division. Seek new ways to dismantle the racist, sexist, and economic oppression threatening our journey toward the Kingdom of God that is rooted in the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. 
 
In this time of senseless violence on our streets and in our communities, I hope you will join me in celebrating the birthday and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. by reflecting on the following questions:
 
What would my life look like if I practiced Christ-like extremism?
What would my family life look like if I/we practiced Christ-like extremism?
What would my church parish look like if we practiced Christ-like extremism?
What would our community, our nation, and the world look like if we practiced Christ-like extremism?
 
In 1958, Rev. King wrote: “Along the way of life, someone must have the sense enough and the morality enough to cut off the chain of hate. This can only be done by projecting the ethics of love to the center of our lives.” This is the challenge for every one of us who believes in the promise of America and seeks to renew the soul of this great nation.  
In the spirit of Rev. King, we must meet the forces of hate and ignorance with the power of love. We must learn again the wisdom of the Gospel and love our enemies and bless those who oppose us. In this moment, Rev. King would counsel everyone in public life to seek reconciliation and reject the easy temptation to reprisals and recrimination.

We do not love those who oppose us because they are loveable, or even likable, Rev. King once said. We love them because God loves them. And by our love, we seek their conversion and friendship, not their humiliation. This is our Christian duty in this moment — to be healers and peacemakers, to overcome evil and lies, not by more of the same, but with words of truth and works of love.