Recently I went to a panel discussion that’s part of a series on Revolutionary Nonviolence organized by a coalition of groups, including Quakers and representatives of Occupy Philadelphia. There were supposed to be four panelists on this particular night, but the one representing “Faith Community-Based Nonviolent Action” could not make it — a perspective I missed when a young African-American man stood up and asked how we can make members of privileged classes care about those who are oppressed.
The question was directed at Derrick Jensen, a white author and “deep green” activist, who had insightful comments on many topics, but seemed stumped by this one. “This is where we need a faith-based voice,” I thought.
Not even love can “make” people change, but it has the potential to move people beyond their own narrow concerns.