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[Supreme Erik]

We are told that God is just and righteous:

“God will bring into judgment
both the righteous and the wicked,
for there will be a time for every activity,
a time to judge every deed.”

Ecc 3:17

and

"He is the Rock, his works are perfect,
and all his ways are just.
A faithful God who does no wrong,
upright and just is he.

Deu 32:4

and Jesus told us:

But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil:
but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right
cheek, turn to him the other also.

Matt 5:39

So wouldn't that mean letting God be judge and trust him to condemn the righteous in the afterlife?

But wait a minute:

"This is what the Lord says: Do what is just and right. Rescue from the hand of the oppressor the one who has been robbed. Do no wrong or violence to the foreigner, the fatherless or the widow, and do not shed innocent blood in this place. "

Jer 22:3

"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves,
for the rights of all who are destitute.
Speak up and judge fairly;
defend the rights of the poor and needy. "

Pro 31:8-9

and didnt Jesus himself flip the tables at the temple, similar to protesting right?

So what are supposed to do? I have some friends protesting right now, and I was going to tell them that protesting is wrong and we should just have faith in God's justice instead, but the bible also tells us to stand up for the oppressed, I would greatly appreciate some insight on this topic.

so my question is: ....wtf?

[jimwalton]

So what we're supposed to do is use our brains, be wise, and figure out the best action that fits each situation. In the Eccl. 3 text you yourself quoted, there is a time and place for everything. There are times, especially in situations of personal insult, where you turn the other cheek (Mt. 5.39, as you quoted). There are times when we speak out against the government (Isa. 1.4-9; Mt. 14.3-4). There are times when we comply and take unlawful punishment (many times in the life of Paul) and times when we assert our rights (many times in the life of Paul).

So, we're not getting a list that fits every situation. We have to use our heads and make a good decision. The ultimate values are to honor God in everything we do (1 Cor. 10.31) and to overcome evil with good (Rom. 12.21).

[Supreme Erik]

alright, so do you think by that logic protesting for george floyd would be good or not

[jimwalton]

I think that protesting for George Floyd is a good idea. His murder was a murder, and there was nothing right about it. First, systemic racism and individual racism is simply wrong. Second, this seemed to me to be a clear case of brutality. Third, we have to work for justice and morality in society.

On the other hand, what's happening in the streets right now has little to do with George Floyd. It's nothing more than destructive anarchism, hate, and theft, and it needs to be stopped. Now. First, anarchy will only lead to increased corruption. Second, this seems to me to be a clear case of rebellion, not protest. Third, we have to protect the good people of society whose lives and life's work (businesses, property, and homes) are being destroyed by thugs.