Black Lives Matter

The Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement has sparked widespread discussion since its inception in 2013, following the acquittal of George Zimmerman in the death of Trayvon Martin. As a movement, it has stirred both support and controversy, particularly among Christians seeking to align their convictions with biblical principles. Below, we explain the movement and how it contrasts with a biblical worldview when it comes to the dignity of human life, the importance of family, and God’s design for society.

The Sentiment: Affirming the Value of Black Lives

The phrase “Black Lives Matter” emerged as a rallying cry to address systemic racism, police brutality, and disparities faced by Black communities. Some well-meaning Christians believe this sentiment resonates with the biblical truth that all people are created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27) and that every human life, regardless of race, possesses inherent dignity and worth. Because the Bible calls believers to “do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God” (Micah 6:8), this includes opposing any form of racial injustice that devalues a person based on their skin color. In this way, some Christians see "Black Lives Matter" as being compatible with the Christian faith.

However, while aspects of the sentiment of the naked statement "Black Lives Matter" aligns with Christian values in principle, its application and the organization behind it raises concerns for us.

The Organization: Black Lives Matter Global Network

The Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation, the formal organization behind the movement, has a specific agenda that diverges from the broader sentiment. Its mission statement and activities reveal priorities that conflict with traditional Christian values, particularly regarding the sanctity of life, family structure, and God's vision for society.

Cons of the Organization:

1. Disregard for Pre-Born Life: The BLM organization does not advocate for the protection of pre-born black lives. From a Christian perspective, the sanctity of life begins at conception (Psalm 139:13-16), and any movement claiming to value human lives should include the most vulnerable—unborn children. The organization’s silence on abortion, which disproportionately affects black communities, undermines BLM's stated commitment to black dignity.

   
   

2. Undermining the Biblical Family: BLM’s original mission statement (since revised) included goals to “disrupt the Western-prescribed nuclear family structure” and promote communal living arrangements. This stance conflicts with the biblical model of family, which emphasizes the roles of mothers and fathers in raising children (Ephesians 6:1-4). The high rates of single motherhood is a critical concern, yet BLM’s platform has not prioritized strengthening fatherhood or traditional family units.

   
   

3. Ideological Conflicts: The organization has embraced ideologies, such as Marxist principles and support for policies contrary to biblical teachings on gender and sexuality, that many Christians find incompatible with Scripture. For example, promoting agendas that redefine biblical definitions of marriage (Hebrews 13:4) alienates believers who hold to traditional values.

   
   

4. Questionable Financial Practices: Reports, including those from 2022, have raised concerns about the organization’s financial transparency, with millions in donations unaccounted for or directed to non-community-based initiatives. The Bible prohibits the use of fraud. It is seen as a sign of corruption and casts doubt on the organization’s integrity. Instead, Christians are called to be good stewards (1 Corinthians 4:2).

A Christian Response

We recognize that technically speaking, the sentiment that all black lives matter does not automatically necessitate endorsing the BLM organization. However, we will discourage Christians from participating in using the phrase "Black Lives Matter." While the movement’s call for justice is noteworthy, BLM's agenda as an organization sharply diverges from the biblical principles for society. Christians ought to affirm the value of all lives and stand for justice for all humans. This can be done through supporting local churches, community organizations, or initiatives that align with Christian values, such as those promoting family restoration, education, or pro-life causes.

Publicly affirming “Black Lives Matter” on social media without clarifying the distinction may lead others to assume endorsement of the organization’s agenda, causing confusion. Instead, Christians can advocate for justice and equality in ways that honor God, such as supporting policies that protect the unborn and enforcement officers, who are often overlooked in the movement’s rhetoric. Christians can address issues of injustice more effectively by focusing on mentorship, education, and economic empowerment without ideological baggage.

Our stance, as reflected in our ministry, is this: we do not support the BLM organization due to its misalignment with biblical principles. We do want to call Christians to commit to loving our neighbors through actions that honor God’s design—promoting the dignity of all life and upholding the family as the cornerstone of society. Rather than donating to the BLM organization, posting its memes, wearing its merchandise, or participating in its protests, Christians can engage in alternative ways to advance justice according to biblical standards. Supporting law enforcement officers, advocating for pre-born lives, and strengthening families through mentorship and community programs align with biblical values. By doing so, we seek to reflect Christ’s love and justice in a broken world, trusting that His truth will guide sinners toward true reconciliation to a holy God (2 Corinthians 5:18-19).

For more on this topic:

• Check out our book, Walking in Unity.

• Watch this video.