But I don't understand! Doesn't REAL Justice demand that those involved in unethical and even criminal conduct be dismissed -- both within the Southwest Baptist University Trustees and the Missouri Baptist Convention Executive Board?Marie wrote in response:
If that is all that can be done, then, yes.
But, in light of all that has happened, that seems like a pathetically simplistic response.
Of course, my purpose in this (at least in part) is to deliver my own life out of their hands and to “restore”(if and where possible) the lives of those who aided me during these years.
If this reprehensible situation persists, sooner or later, individuals associated with Southwest Baptist University will be responsible for ending my life -- either through unmediated hostility, calculated, surrogate assault, or ongoing, contemptuous neglect.
At this point, I have a moral responsibility to act: My refusal to publicly confront these people -- who show so little concern for the lives of others (and for my life, in particular) -- would be the moral equivalent of suicide (or self-murder) and/or of being an accessory to the "murder" of the souls (if not the actual bodies) of others.
Regardless of their propaganda claims of excellence, these people have not acted in a "godly" -- or even "reasonable" or "good" -- manner.
REAL Justice is demanded in this case. Absolutely. But, Justice -- especially Restorative Justice -- is not simple or reflexive revenge. Always, Justice must be tempered and transformed by Mercy.
Jesus came not merely to fulfill Justice, but to teach, demonstrate, and embody Mercy.
His Sacrifice should be the Example we model, not the weak exculpations and excuses, which so permeate much of the modern Church.
Christ’s sacrificial Example was not (and is not) simple, cheap, or easy.
Jesus came to give Himself for the good of the Church and the World -- THAT should be OUR ultimate goal in this Sacrificial Justice.
This is the Mystery: Justice -- transformed by Mercy through Sacrifice -- brings True Restoration.
Indeed, both Sacrificial Justice and Restorative Mercy are desperately needed by Southwest Baptist University, the Missouri Baptist Convention, and the First Baptist Church of Bolivar -- whether they acknowledge it themselves or not.
... and THAT is what we ALL should seek.
~~~*~~~
The text of the
“Invitations to Reconciliation and Restorative Justice”
(details here)
will be posted shortly
and will be available to the congregation
and returning Southwest Baptist University students
at the First Baptist Church of Bolivar
before the Wednesday night service this week.
“Invitations to Reconciliation and Restorative Justice”
(details here)
will be posted shortly
and will be available to the congregation
and returning Southwest Baptist University students
at the First Baptist Church of Bolivar
before the Wednesday night service this week.
~~~*~~~
