Episode 2: Building broad campaigns
Study guide
Focus statement/synopsis:
Nonviolent direct action is a way to bring about positive social change without hurting or destroy other people. You might think of protests or marches as nonviolent direct action. You'd be right, but nonviolent direct action includes a lot more than just protests. It covers a range of tactics that can be used at strategic times and to varying degrees as part of a broader campaign.
Scripture:
Read
Matthew 5:38-42.
Opening ritual:
Pray a
centering prayer, which will spiritually ground you with endurance and steadfastness.
Group
Discussion.
Jesus rebukes violence and revenge, and instead, offers us an alternative way of living that lovingly challenges unjust power dynamics. This is strategic nonviolent direct action, as it challenges both the violence itself and the narratives that uphold violence.
Activity:
Watch
Walter Wink's take on the
Beatitudes. Wink was quoted in the video and discusses how Jesus demonstrated the prophetic tradition of speaking truth to power. What parts of Wink's interpretation are similar to what you were taught? What is different?
Small group/partner discussion questions:
- What strategies did the multinational movement use to confront the multinational corporation?
- What would you need to feel truly connected to a multinational movement of nonviolent action? What would sustain your participation in it?
Large group discussion question:
How would you decide which nonviolent direct action strategies to use in various situations?
Close in prayer.