Finding the Third Option between “Blue Ribbons” and “Yellow Ribbons”

Hong Kong society has frequently been described as torn apart and unstable over the last year. There has been a seemingly constant confrontation between the “blue ribbons” and the “yellow ribbons.” But how should Baptists respond to this situation? Should we take sides?

Which side should we take? I’d say that Baptists are neither “blue ribbons” nor “yellow ribbons.” Must we label ourselves with the term “ribbon,” we could only dub ourselves as “Jesus ribbons,” meaning “fans of Jesus Christ” as He is the only one we follow. I have made the table below for ease of reference.

There are several aspects listed in the table. With respect to the sovereignty to whom allegiance is owed, it is only natural for pro-establishment supporters to serve the regime as their “Lord,” being loyal servants to the government. But sometimes, the supporters themselves may become their own “Lord,” taking their career prospects and future as their primary considerations. Anti-establishmentarians stress the rule of the people. However, plenty of politicians in the West seek the support of the people, merely because they need their votes to keep their jobs. Baptists assert that “Christ is Lord,” and we ourselves are not the objects of loyalty. We obey God and follow His Word, even if it means acting against our own preferences.

As for the authority of the government, pro-establishment supporters believe that the government itself is the sole legitimate source of authority, and therefore must be respected. Anti-establishmentarians, on the other hand, believe that the power of the government is delegated by the people who are the most important, and hence the government cannot take the people’s respect for granted. But Baptists affirm that all authorities are delegated by God and, in other words, a king or government rules with delegated powers from God, and hence should be respected. We respect the ruling regime while acknowledging the priority of our respect for God’s sovereignty.

Regarding the guiding principles for action, pro-establishment supporters consider the intentions of the regime and submit to its decisions. Anti-establishmentarians regard public opinion as being the most important, and it should be the basis for every decision. Baptists stress the will of God, and the truth leads our way. What decides what is right from wrong should not be based on the opinion of the majority; rather we should act according to the truth and teachings of the Bible.

Regarding the response to the government orders, pro-establishment supporters are usually submissive and obedient, and will comply with them as much as possible. Anti-establishmentarians are often critical, and will support the orders only if they serve the people’s interests. Baptists should also make discernment, but they will support what the government does only if it is in accordance with God’s will.

In terms of social relations, pro-establishment supporters tend to merge themselves into the establishment and are actively involved in activities within the establishment to ensure the regime is pleased. Anti-establishmentarians tend to go into the crowds, seeking to please them and to gain their support. Baptists emphasize the priority of our faith, and refuse to join any unjust activities, and seek to be “salt and light.” We try to influence others with the truth, and speak up like prophets for our faith.

In terms of objective, the pro-establishment camp seeks the stability of the regime, which also serves the interests of the entrenched leadership. Anti-establishmentarians tend to promote democracy and are more concerned with benefitting people generally. Baptists stress the importance of eternal rewards and seek to glorify God.

Social justice, as pro-establishment supporters would see it, is defined and should also be promoted by the regime. It is to be realized in the present time. The anti-establishment camp, despite also believing that justice is to be realized here and now, apparently has a different interpretation of “justice” which they think should be defined by the people and hence derived from democracy. Baptists, however, believe that true justice will only be realized ultimately in the end time by God’s sovereign judgement. But this does not mean that we should neglect social justice in the present world. We also must fight for it, but we can rest assured that God will have the final say in the Final Judgement even if we cannot see justice in the present.

When faced with government orders which go against public opinion, pro-establishment supporters are generally committed to support them even if they themselves disagree with them, while anti-establishmentarians often object to them vigorously and fearlessly condemn them. Baptists, however, tend to respond in a gentle manner and express our opinions respectfully, for the good of the regime, society and the people. We hope to bring them to truth and goodness. We do not want to oppose just for the sake of opposition.

In the face of an unjust regime, pro-establishment supporters tend to accept the situation, and may attempt to push for internal reforms. Anti-establishmentarians usually rise up and resist. They may even resort to insurgence or attempts to overthrow the government. Baptists stress the importance of perseverance in following God’s will, and putting our future in His hands, even if that means sacrifice, imprisonment or suffering.

Pro-establishment supporters may not support the fight for democracy as democracy may threaten their entrenched interests. Their stance also depends on the attitude of the regime. The anti-establishment camp often fully supports the fight for democracy which they see as a must and therefore strive hard for it. We are relatively supportive for the fight for democracy since democracy is found to be a comparatively fair system by different sociologists and historians. But we perceive the means more important than the end. Also, we should be aware that there are limitations in democracy itself. For example, the restraints of democracy in the West nowadays may include manipulation by the media, the necessity of the people to make correct judgements, and the availability of true facts. In fact, democracy, which we support in a relative sense, is not what we are ultimately pursuing; what we are emphasizing is the lordship of God. Typical examples for illustration can be found in the Bible. For example, how seemingly democratic Aaron was when deciding to make the golden calf, but it was actually a sin. So, democracy is not always right. As a matter of fact, some scholars in the West discuss the “tyranny of the majority” where the minority is oppressed in democracy. Surely we do not support such idea. So, what we truly stress is the truth and that God is our Lord.