The Woke movement thrives on adhominem attacks, revised history, anecdotes in place of statistical analysis and the refusal to engage in good faith debate. The phrase “woke” and “stay woke” first appeared in the 1940’s. African Americans used this expression in the context of issues of social justice. The modern woke movement began a decade ago when statements on social media appeared to be racially insensitive or a form of prejudice and discrimination.
[My] brethren, do not speak evil about or accuse one another. He that maligns a brother or judges his brother is maligning and criticizing the Law and judging the Law. But if you judge the Law, you are not a practicer of the Law but a censor and judge [of it]. 12 One only is the Lawgiver and Judge Who is able to save and to destroy [the One Who has the absolute power of life and death]. [But you] who are you that [you presume to] pass judgment on your neighbor? – James 4:11-12
Yet, like King Solomon’s quote thousands of years ago, “there is nothing new under the sun,” Ecclesiastes 1:9. In the middle of the first century, a woke movement began in the Church at Rome. Based upon the apostle Paul’s words in Romans 1:18-Romans 2:5, religious leaders began to point out everyone’s sins except for their own. Chapter 2 of Romans serves as a remainder to Jesus’ words in the Sermon on the Mount about judging others.
Do not judge and criticize and condemn others, so that you may not be judged and criticized and condemned yourselves. 2 For just as you judge and criticize and condemn others, you will be judged and criticized and condemned, and in accordance with the measure you [use to] deal out to others, it will be dealt out again to you. 3 Why do you [a]stare from without at the [b]very small particle that is in your brother’s eye but do not become aware of and consider the beam [c]of timber that is in your own eye? – Matthew 7:1-3
Speaking like a first century carpenter, Jesus uses the term plankeye in the passage above. This refers to timber sawed into rough planks, partly prepared as a floor covering. Everyone possesses some pet peeves, minor annoyances that an individual finds particularly irritating, to a greater degree than would be expected based upon the experience of others. Seeing pet peeves on social media has spawned the modern Woke Movement. Yet, unless you are a perfect human being which doesn’t exist, you should be silent and begin to love and pray for your enemies, Matthew 5:43-44.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 