Pauline Pearson reviews Seeking Justice by Keith Hebden, Circle Books (Winchester 2013). Pbk. 168 pages. £11.99.
This book, written by a pioneer minister working in the Midlands, contrasts the peace of God with the Pax Britannica. Keith Hebden writes in an engaging style, setting out the issues as he sees them. He seeks to provide his readers with practical tools and strategies to be (words often attributed to Gandhi) 'the change you want to see'. Hebden uses the term 'compassionate resistance' for what he does, and describes this slim volume as 'a lab book for your experiments in social transformation, alongside others who care about the same issues'. Unlike a lab book, this does not have blank space for your own notes or ideas, but each chapter concludes with suggestions for use by small groups seeking to build 'a compassionate community of resistance where we are', ranging from ideas to think about (for example, how we might use metaphors such as angels and demons to describe structures or systems in our group, neighbourhood or organisation), to actions to consider taking (for example guerrilla gardening). Each chapter also includes relevant further reading.
In Chapter One, Hebden draws on the imagery of Revelation to suggest that 'naming, describing and redeeming the angels of our churches today is a task essential to the progress of those who want to do their compassionate activism from within them' (p.20). This may of course not be where Sofia's readers start from, but his arguments are still important in clarifying a starting place for action. Hebden discusses the way in which the gospel writers show Jesus engaging with the spiritual realities of his situation through images and poetic insights – for example the cursed fig tree – which he suggests is not just about pique on Jesus' part at 'the lack of a fruity snack' but represents his analysis of the underlying corruption of the temple authorities, and gives insight into his later action of cleansing the temple. Hebden argues for us to use the arts and our imaginations in a similar way to help us to analyse power and our relationship to it.
The second chapter examines imaginings around systems and structure in more depth, looking at monsters, messengers and mortals. The images of Britain in the 21st century as a monstrous, brutalised capitalist state focused on profit above ethics, with a dehumanised eviscerated welfare system, ring many bells. The analysis of messengers explores technology and storytelling, logos and the colonisation of communication, giving a convincing picture of ways in which we are prevented from questioning or challenging power. Next, Hebden addresses sources of violence in society, and shows that each is in the end unhealthy. Instead he advocates compassion for – suffering with – the powerless in non-violent resistance until everyone is free.
In chapters four to nine Hebden draws on the reported teachings and actions of Jesus and Paul to unpick the practicalities of compassionate resistance. Loving the enemy (the individual) whilst resisting the state. Taking responsibility for the wellbeing of people. Transforming personal relationships. Resisting the marginalisation of groups – the lost sheep. Nurturing the seeds of change where we find them. Reflecting on waste and sustainability. Listening to community consensus.
The final chapters draw on gospel material, together with reflections on Gandhi's action and writings, to analyse first of all the continuum of protagonists in community engagement, from close allies (the disciples) to the enemies of change (the authorities), and then to explore different approaches to engagement. Methods of 'compassionate resistance' are set out, encompassing not just direct action, but prophecy, lament, meek refusal and subversion. Finally, six underlying principles of 'compassionate resistance' are teased out. Hebden concludes by emphasising the importance of compassion beginning locally, and resistance coming from the heart.
This is a reasonably priced book which provides considerable food for thought, and will challenge many people to new ways of engaging with injustice and oppression. It is littered with examples and inclusive in its style. One minor irritation is the use throughout this book of American spellings (labor, for example) even though it was published in Britain. But if you, or a group near you, are looking for a refreshing approach to resisting the monsters and messengers around us, this is it.
Pauline Pearson is a non-stipendiary Church of England Minister and Professor of Nursing at Northumbria University.