Justin Giboney, a lawyer and one of the founders of the AND Campaign, which is focused on giving a Biblical framework to engage in politics in a non-partisan way, spoke to PW about his new book, Don't Let Nobody Turn You Around (IVP, Nov.). In it, he argues that the Black church has a tradition of social action that sits above the partisanship that infects much of today's politics.
How can the Black church’s social action tradition shine new light on today’s divisive culture wars and influence the church as a whole?
The Black church’s social action tradition emphasizes the redeemability of our opponents and the fallibility in us. While right and wrong on an issue might be clear, it’s never simply good versus evil when dealing with humanity. It’s possible to respond to evil actions with evil actions, instead of a good course of action, so we must always examine ourselves to make sure we’re being humble and constructive.
What are some key moments in the Black church’s history that point to standing firm in faith while working for justice?
In 1957, Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth resolved to enroll his daughters in a segregated school in Birmingham; however, when the family pulled up to the school, a white mob assaulted them - stabbing his wife. Days later, Shuttlesworth persuaded Birmingham’s Black community to respond by redoubling their justice efforts rather than becoming destructive in retaliation. More recently, the parishioners at Emanuel AME Church forgave Dylann Roof after he killed nine people during a Bible study. They wanted redemption for him while testifying in court to make sure justice was served.
What about this social action tradition speaks into today’s need for compromise and not seeing opponents as enemies?
Again, the tradition reminds us that all people are redeemable and capable of changing their hearts and minds. Therefore, we should approach them with that possibility in mind even as we strongly disagree with them. We do a disservice to the causes we champion when we attack people who we should be trying to persuade. From Frederick Douglass to Fannie Lou Hamer, there was a commitment to civic pluralism (even though they didn’t use that term) that reflected a commitment to seeing everyone as God’s image bearer.
What is the message and history behind the spiritual “Don’t Let Nobody Turn You Around?”
This was a plantation song during slavery that was later adapted into a “freedom song,” which was sang during marches and demonstrations during the civil rights era. The message is about maintaining one’s principles and continuing the work in times when survival and civility seem to conflict. The toughest times are when our principles are most important. We can’t let the circumstances or our opponent’s behavior dictate our behavior or direction.
Who is the primary audience for this book, and why?
The primary audience is people of faith. I want to remind them they have values that are supposed to transcend the moment and keep them from being arrested by polarization of the day. People of faith can preserve the American experiment and rescue our society from itself.
How can following this social action blueprint help individual Christians navigate this polarizing period in our history and culture?
It will give people a fresh and aspirational perspective. Most importantly, they won’t have to just deal with these problems in theory because I’ve provided them with proof of concept. We can fight injustice and moral disorder with tenacity and grace, not just because I’ve theorized about it, but because a group of Americans has already done it.
What can the Black church teach all Christians about faith, justice, and strength?
The Black church tradition teaches us that in the most desperate moments – when death and despair surround us – our values and principles are more effective than contempt and vengeance. It teaches us that moral imagination about what ought to be is sustenance, while cynicism leaves us hopeless, bitter, and empty.
How do you use the principles discussed in the book in your AND Campaign and your political career?
The principles show me that the correct solution isn’t always on the ideological left or right, sometimes we have to engage in social innovation and find answers outside of the culture war binary. I try to remember that everyone has a contribution to make. People can be wrong on really important issues, and I still need to listen to them because that error doesn’t mean they get everything wrong. I have to see the image of God in the ugliest manifestations of human brokenness, if I’m going to uphold the true legacy of the Black church.
What do you hope readers of all races and faith backgrounds take away from this book?
We need each other.
The Black Church’s public witness is one of many examples of how faith and resilience can bring us together. Our political opponents aren’t going to disappear, and while we can’t control their behavior, we can model a better way to engage. We can once again inspire the world with a compassion and diligence that refuses to surrender to contempt or escapism.
