Black Christians on Social Media Conflicted About Guyger and Forgiveness
Video Courtesy of THE BEAT by Allen Parr
When the verdict came down and Botham Jean’s killer, former police officer Amber Guyger, was found guilty of murder, emotions ran high. Some expressed relief — and even surprise — that a white police officer would be held accountable for taking the life of an innocent and unarmed black man. But then the hugs happened at Guyger’s sentencing, where she received 10 years (Really? Just 10 years?). Not just the victim’s brother, Brandt Jean, a devout Christian, but the judge, too. People are beside themselves on social media. It hasn’t been quite the same reaction as the forgiveness of the church members after the Emanuel church shooting, where most people generally embraced the idea that to forgive was divine. Many people seem genuinely angry and unable to forgive, laying bare the conflict we have as Christians and what we really stand for as a Kingdom.
#BlackTwitter blew up yesterday when Botham Jean’s bro hugged Guyger. Black Christians are taught to forgive (per Bible scripture). But how do you forgive someone who did everything thing they could to say it was a “right” to kill your black butt?#ThereWasOnlyOneJesus
— BLACKSTEM Global💡🔬🌼 (@BLACKSTEMUSA) October 3, 2019
I’m a devoted Christian and I will die one but this guy made a good point today by saying Christianity weakened the black community and he used Botham Jean’s brother hugging Amber Guyger as an example. Do you agree ? pic.twitter.com/P1zZ6AEhuU
— TheAllSeeingTy (@tytheanimator) October 3, 2019
I’m at a lost for words as to how people are coming out against Botham Jean’s brother for FORGIVING his brothers killer
It’s his brother. His forgiveness. His relationship with God
I’m a devoted Christian and I will die one but this guy made a good point today by saying Christianity weakened the black community and he used Botham Jean’s brother hugging Amber Guyger as an example. Do you agree ? pic.twitter.com/P1zZ6AEhuU
— TheAllSeeingTy (@tytheanimator) October 3, 2019
The same fake Christian and naysayer should actually take some notes from that brave young man
#BlackTwitter blew up yesterday when Botham Jean’s bro hugged Guyger. Black Christians are taught to forgive (per Bible scripture). But how do you forgive someone who did everything thing they could to say it was a “right” to kill your black butt?#ThereWasOnlyOneJesus
— BLACKSTEM Global💡🔬🌼 (@BLACKSTEMUSA) October 3, 2019
— Brandon Tatum (@TheOfficerTatum) October 3, 2019
I don’t care what anyone says. Botham Jean’s brother did what any Christian should do in that situation. That being said, her getting 10 years for killing an innocent man is wild.
— Charles Adams III (@charlesadams3rd) October 3, 2019
Whoopi Goldberg reacts to the viral moment when Botham Jean’s brother hugs Amber Guyger following her sentence for murdering his brother: “That is a Christian.” https://t.co/ugAU1J7eUy pic.twitter.com/bUEkquxoNW
— The View (@TheView) October 4, 2019
Hypocrisy is: white ‘christians’ celebrating #BrandtJean’s #forgiveness of a racist white cop who murdered his brother, but can’t forgive @Kaepernick7 for kneeling in protest of racist white cops like #AmberGuyger killing innocent, unarmed Blacks like #BothamJean.
— Bishop Talbert Swan (@TalbertSwan) October 5, 2019
Some of the same Christians that are praising Botham Jeans brother for his ability to love and forgive, are the same people that would’ve gladly seen his murderer go free. pic.twitter.com/LAJ5CnTfmH
— Jayne Marie Stewart (@stewart_jayne) October 5, 2019
In my wildest dreams I did not imagine such a cynical take on the forgiveness offered by Botham Jean’s brother was possible. https://t.co/lkAu5v03js
— Adam Parker (@AdamC_Parker) October 3, 2019
You know what’s funny?. The “now that’s a Christian” comments for Botham Jean’s brother hugging Amber Guyger. Let me ask you this. Is this man not a Christian or any less of a Christian?. Think carefully before you answer. pic.twitter.com/JhyEmUgi3r
— Creed Bratton (@OldManRoland1) October 3, 2019
A while back I began intentionally following as many black Christian leaders as possible. I’ve learned a lot.
I’m seeing many friends on FB & Twitter praising #BothamJean‘s brother for his act of forgiveness, but not a single one who is black. It gives me pause & I’m listening.
— Jeremy D. Scott (@JeremyDScott) October 3, 2019
It’s incredible what Botham Jean’s brother did but I can’t help but feel the burden of being a good Christian shouldn’t fall on the brother of the black man killled by a careless white lady cop. Maybe we white people should consider that before we share it as a feel good story. pic.twitter.com/T8nvfKWnHD
— Noah Harald (@NoahHarald) October 3, 2019