5.24.23 - 1 Peter 3:13-14
It's not okay to use sacred texts to perpetuate violence. Connection is baked into each one of us not coercion. Please find a way to connect with others today.
Now who will harm you if you are eager to do what is good? But even if you do suffer for doing what is right, you are blessed. Do not fear what they fear, and do not be intimidated
* Trigger warning: domestic violence
Verses like these always present a challenge for both the reader and the preacher/writer.
When I read this passage, my first reaction is disgust, since these verses have been misused and abused to justify all sorts of oppression.
I have a friend who grew up in a very conservative Christian tradition. She married a man who started struggling with alcohol and drugs and started making really awful comments toward her.
Eventually, the verbal abuse kept escalating and turned into physical violence toward her and their child. I wonder if this violence will continue escalating.
Her family and pastors keep encouraging her to remain in the marriage while using these verses.
And my prayer is that one day all of them can see how out of context that interpretation is and how hurtful it is for women all over the world.
It's easy to misuse scared texts, sometimes with violent ends. Mostly, it's to maintain power and an advantage over others.
People who use sacred texts to abuse others or justify violence are simply wrong.
If you or someone you know is experiencing violence you can find help at the domestic violence hotline: 800.799.SAFE (7233)
--Claudia Aguilar Rubalcava