Public shaming is not just something that happened “way back then.” It’s alive and well in our world. Some versions of Sharia law in Islamic societies require that married or divorced persons found guilty of Zina (adultery) be executed by stoning. Countries that are predominantly Muslim or that have a large minority of Muslims vary in their treatment of people found guilty of this crime, according to Amnesty International. A shame culture is a society where the primary method for gaining control and maintaining social order is through embarrassment, public questioning, or ridiculing a person’s own sense of self-image, dignity, or prestige.
Now in America, we’re not like that, are we? Unfortunately, we are. Social media is a feeding frenzy of shaming and derision. The influence of social media and its relationship with suicide is a new phenomenon. There is evidence that using social media can change people’s lives, especially those of teenagers. Cyberbullying is a huge problem linked to increases in suicide rates.
So, in light of the day in which we live, what would Jesus do, and how can we love like Him? What did Jesus do for the woman? First, he stood up for her in the midst of an angry mob. It wasn’t a popular or expected action. He was and is directly involved in protecting the embarrassed and shamed. Let him rush into your situation, break you free from hopelessness by strengthening you, and stand with you no matter what your circumstances are. Next, we should be the community of people who rush in to love people. Unfortunately, all too often, Christians are the first people to qualify love, “Yes, God forgives them, but they should be ashamed.” “They should know better!” Shamed people already know they have made poor choices. And of course, there are consequences. But they need Jesus Christ, not my often unqualified opinion.
You can begin to turn the tide of shame by rushing in to love, help, and stand up for people rather than condemn them. Invite them into your community of love. Maybe they’ll see the gospel lived out and so be motivated in the future.