Church Riots - Social Riots vs. Spiritual Riots

SOCIAL RIOTS VERSUS SPIRITUAL RIOTS

Definition of a Riot: (Webster’s definition of a riot). Function: noun. Etymology: Middle English, from Old French, dispute, from rioter to quarrel 1 archaic a : profligate behavior : debauchery b : unrestrained revelry c : noise, uproar, or disturbance made by revelers 2 a : public violence, tumult, or disorder b : a violent public disorder; specifically : a tumultuous disturbance of the public peace by three or more persons assembled together and acting with a common intent 3 : a random or disorderly profusion <the woods were a riot of color> 4 : one that is wildly amusing <the new comedy is a riot>

Differentiate between the social and the spiritual riot.

SOCIAL RIOTS

SPIRITUAL RIOTS

1. What causes riots

1. What causes riots

An event occurs, a law is passed or is in place that people don’t agree with and want to make their disagreement with it known in a violent way.

Something is going on in the church, a change is about to be enacted or is not enacted that people would like to see enacted that causes dissatisfaction.

2. Who causes a riot

2. Who causes a riot

A person or group of people (an instigator) usually hostile in their thinking or beliefs, who don’t agree with the event or outcome of the event that wish to make their dissatisfaction known by stirring up trouble. They also persuade others to do the same because they don’t want to be alone in their negative or destructive way of thinking. They incite a "mob mentality" among the people, getting everyone "wired" up through their charged words and speeches.

A member or members within the spiritual body (church) who, instead of trying to solve problems in a spiritual and Godly fashion by going to their brother or sister or church body to talk and come up with a solution, instead rally up the same, like-minded troops, making trouble or complaining, which sometimes leads to even boycotting church events.

3. Examples of riots and what caused them?

3. Examples of riots and what caused them?

Detroit/Watts riots Occurred after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Many people wanted the world to know that they were upset with what happened to him and were not going to stand by and do nothing.

South Central riots Occurred after the Rodney King verdict was read for the police officers who beat him. Wanted the city to know that they were not pleased with the verdict and wanted to take it out on everyone who was white or non-blacks.

Birmingham riots Occurred during the civil rights era when Blacks were trying to change the Jim Crow laws in the southern states. Blacks and other sympathizers did not agree with how Blacks were being treated as second class citizens in the south.

Change of Leader-ship Sometimes when a well-known leader leaves the church, members will sometimes choose to follow that person to a new congregation (if that's the case), or they may also choose to totally stop attending that congregation after the person leaves.

Disagreements with scriptural doctrines In denominational churches, or even in the Church of Christ, if a leader or leaders decide to change the scriptural doctrine from what has been normally practiced in the past, many members may either leave the congregation.

Not in agreement with what is being taught in lessons Members may either leave the church or boycott certain events because they do not like what's being taught in a bible study or preached on Sundays because what's being taught does not fit with their lifestyle (i.e., if the sermon is about fornica-tion and that person is living with someone and not married).

Personal Vendettas or dislikes Sometimes the person spearhead-ing the event is not liked, for whatever reason, by one or several individuals. Many times one or several individuals, instead of not attending the event, will rally others to not attend the event as well to take pressure or attention from the fact that they're not attending, getting others to side with their negative behavior and views.

4. The Aftermath of Rioting – it's affects

4. The Aftermath of Rioting – it's affects

5. How can we prevent riots?

5. How can we prevent riots?

In the secular world, it's almost impossible to prevent riots.

The same applies in the spiritual world. We may not be able to prevent "spiritual" riots, but what we can to is continue to teach the saints about Godly behavior, about renewing your mind and your spirit, and being Ambassadors for Christ and emulating Him. Discuss secular behavior versus Godly behavior, and really try to encourage people to be mindful of your Christian walk and how you are interacting with other people and how things like boycotting a class or stirring up trouble in the church is tantamount to a spiritual riot. Would you want to be the one standing before God on judgment day, and have it on your spiritual 'rap sheet' that you were responsible for stirring up trouble in the church and instigating a spiritual riot within your church body? If the answer is "no" and you know you have been guilty of such behaviors, you need to turn away and stop it.