Violence cannot kill an idea. Thoughts cannot be shot, beaten, or bombed out of existence. When terror is employed, behaviors may change, but convictions seldom will.

From righteous causes like the US Civil Rights Movement to heinous beliefs like militant religious extremism, violence against ideas only emboldens them. Martyrs are made, injustice is perceived, others rally to the effort. Folks find justification for their cause, dig in further, and the idea is passed on.

If we want to change beliefs and values (and there are plenty worth changing), it takes much more work than violence is willing to do because violence is lazy and unimaginative.

Changing hearts and minds takes time and proximity and commitment. It takes shared spaces and vulnerability. It takes demonstrating why we think our position is more faithful, true, and good and requires that we hold our ideals consistently. It might just take care and concern for all parties involved.

This way is, of course, slower and messier and much more effort and cost, but there are no shortcuts to a better world.

This is the only way that is sustainable and the only way that leads to the peace and flourishing our world desperately aches for. May we be the ones who lead the way.