Lecture on Oppression and its Effects

Introduction

• Topic: Oppression’s impact on behavior - “Oppression has made us lazy.”
• Key Biblical References: Daniel 9:7:
  • Main Idea: Due to oppression and sin, our people are confused and have lost their identity, mistaking themselves for other nations.

Understanding the Concept of ‘Confusion of Faces’

Daniel 9:7

• Verse: Righteousness belongs to God; confusion of faces belongs to us due to our sins.
• Impact: Our nationalities were changed as we went into captivity. Now, we are confused about our identity.

Deuteronomy 28:37

• Verse: “Become an astonishment, a proverb, and a byword among all nations.”
• Explanation: Indicates our names and nationalities would be altered. Further evidence of identity confusion.
• Glenn Beck Clip: Illustrates societal confusion around Black identity (Black, African-American, Negro) and the mockery thereof.
• Summary: Identity confusion and external mockery reflect prophetic fulfillment.

Isaiah 1:3

• Verse: “The ox knows its owner...but Israel does not know.”
• Comparison: Our unawareness of identity is likened to being dumber than domesticated animals.

Hosea 4:1

• Explanation: No truth, mercy, or knowledge of God in the land. Emphasizes moral and spiritual decay.
• Specific Sins Listed: Swearing, lying, killing, stealing, committing adultery.

Historical and Modern Examples

Sidney Poitier Clip from “Pressure Point” (1962)

• Main Ideas: Sociopolitical frustrations and the systemic barriers experienced by Black individuals.
• Relevant Modern Example: Racism in schools (Agora High incident) demonstrates continued societal oppression.

The Young Lords Movement (1969)

• Focus: Puerto Rican nationalist activities, anti-capitalism, anti-racism, addressing sexism and homophobia.
• Challenges: Balancing revolutionary zeal with internal issues like sexism and homophobia.
• Modern Implications: Ongoing battle against multiple forms of oppression and need for unity.

Scriptural Foundations and Applications

Hosea 4:1-2

• Key Ideas: Absence of truth and knowledge of God, prevalence of swearing, lying, killing.
• Connection: Tied to identity confusion and societal degradation.

Lamentations 4:17

• Verse: Looking to a nation that cannot save us (showcasing misplaced hope and dependency).
• Isaiah 30:12: Implications of trusting in oppression and the ensuing consequences.

Prophetic Context

Psalms 44:13-15

• Confusion Continually: Continual struggle with national identity and respect.
• Ezekiel 34:31: God’s order – men as leaders.

Isaiah 1:4 and Context of National Sin

• Impact of Sin: Disconnect from God’s laws results in societal oppression and moral decay. Isaiah 1:4: Emphasizes Israel's sinful state.

Hosea 1:10

• Misplaced Hope: National confusion, ongoing oppression.

Judith 5:20-21

• Key Idea: Presence of sin as a continual source of national downfall.

Revelation 12:17

• Dragon's Wrath: Anger of the system (Dragon) against those keeping God's commandments.

Role of Women and Societal Order

1 Corinthians 11:3

• Order: The head of every man is Christ, the head of every woman is the man.
• Implication: Societal disorder linked to deviating from divine order.

Ezekiel 13:17

• Against False Prophecies: Addressing false female prophets leading people astray.

1 Timothy 2:11-12 and 1 Corinthians 14:33-34

• Command for Silence: Women to learn in silence and submission.

Surah 25:16 and Ecclesiastes 7:26

• Warnings: Hazards of contentious women in a societal context.

Conclusion

• Revolution and Change: True change begins within by embracing God’s laws. (Matthew 18:3, John 3:3)
• Global Implication: Keeping commandments will lead to a shift in global power dynamics (Revelation 2:26).

Final Call to Action

• Luke 14:27: Emphasis on bearing one's cross and forsaking all for discipleship.
• Persistent Effort: Need for consistent labor in faith to drive lasting change (Micah 4:10).