The nation was shaken to its core by the sudden and tragic death of UnitedHealthcare CEO, Brian Thompson, who was ruthlessly shot. The impact didn’t stop with sorrow. It was followed by a chilling message left by the alleged killer, Luigi Mangione. The words “Deny, Defend, Depose” were engraved on the bullet casings. Now, these eerie words have traveled far beyond the crime scene. They’ve shown up as graffiti on walls across cities worldwide, leaving a trail of unease in their wake.
The Tense appears to be a direct critique of insurance companies, long criticized for denying claims, delaying payments, and defending these actions in court. Yet, Luigi Mangione transformed this frustration into something far more perilous: a cold, premeditated murder.
His shocking act has sparked an intense dialogue about the deeper systemic issues that perpetuate such injustices. What’s even more troubling is how this once-simple critique has morphed into a symbol now appearing as graffiti on walls and circulating widely on social media. It forces us to ask: when violence is presented as an act of resistance, how can we distinguish between justifiable protest and dangerous rebellion?
Using Faith to Justify Hate
The controversy intensifies with the role of GiveSendGo, a Christian crowdfunding site, which has successfully raised more than $145,000 to assist in Mangione’s defense. Over 5,000 individuals have contributed, even though the platform’s guidelines forbid any campaigns that endorse hate or violence. Despite this, the fundraising page remains active, with supporters urged to share prayers and uplifting messages. The verse James “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective”, is prominently featured, adding a spiritual dimension to the cause.
Prayer undeniably holds great power, capable of healing and creating profound change. Yet, when people twist it to justify violent actions, they misrepresent the true message of the Gospel. Christians must pray for everyone, even for those who have harmed others. However, such prayers must align with God’s justice and mercy.
Platforms like Give Send Go blur this vital distinction, promoting causes that directly oppose the core teachings of the Bible.
The divide between faith and action reveals a greater problem: the manipulation of Scripture to sow division. Scripture should be a tool for truth, unity, and healing.
Learning from Our History
The birth of our nation was, at its core, an act of defiance. The Revolution of American ignited because the colonists could no longer bear unjust taxes, oppressive rule, and a government that ignored their voices. Though the Founding Fathers had their flaws, their goal was never to sow chaos. Rather, they sought to build a new system, one grounded in the values of freedom, justice, and accountability.
The Boston Tea Party was a powerful symbol of resistance. It’s similar to the graffiti and protests we see today, calling attention to systemic injustices.
Economic inequality, social disparity, and a deep distrust in leadership have always sparked unrest. History reminds us that when we don’t address these issues peacefully, they often grow into more chaotic and destructive forms of mutiny.
The American Revolution laid the foundation for democracy. It emphasized that freedom should always go hand in hand with accountability and adherence to the law. In sharp contrast, the tragic killing of UnitedHealthcare’s CEO, along with the chilling message “Deny, Defend, Depose,” signals a troubling shift away from those very principles.
While both events hold symbolic meaning, today’s violent actions undermine the justice and fairness they claim to advocate for.
Martin Luther King Jr. stands as a clear example of leadership that challenges the status quo. In his “Letter from Birmingham Jail,” he took a firm stand against those who valued preserving order more than striving for genuine equity.
I’ve reached the painful conclusion that the real barrier to African Americans’ pursuit of freedom isn’t the White Citizen’s Councils or the Ku Klux Klan. It’s the white moderates. These individuals prioritize “order” over justice. They prefer a superficial peace, one without conflict, rather than the genuine peace that comes with justice.
By advocating for “positive peace,” King urges us to directly confront the deeply ingrained injustices surrounding us. At the same time, his unwavering commitment to nonviolence challenges those who use anger as a justification for harm. Through his leadership, he reminds us that real progress requires not only courage but also the self-discipline to act with responsibility and thoughtfulness.
Overlooked Concerns
Time and again, history has taught us that when people are silenced or mistreated, rebellion eventually takes root. The American Revolution, Latin American uprisings, and the Arab Spring all sprang from unmet cries for fairness, dignity, and representation. Small sparks of protest grew into full-blown movements when deep frustrations were ignored. And while some revolutions led to real change, they also serve as a powerful reminder of how dangerous it is when anger turns into unchecked destruction.
George Washington set a timeless example of real leadership—choosing to balance justice with order, even when chaos threatened to take over. When the Whiskey Rebellion erupted in 1794, he didn’t answer with force or fear. Instead, he urged calm, relying on patience, reason, and the strength of law to settle the unrest. Washington deeply understood that without structure, freedom could quickly crumble into anarch, a lesson that’s just as urgent today as it was back then.
We don’t have to look far to see modern examples. The attack on the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, showed what happens when mistrust in leadership boils over into chaos.
That day, a mob stormed the Capitol, trying to stop the certification of the presidential election. It was an alarming sign of the deep cracks in American democracy and the danger of unchecked rage. Around the world, movements like Chile’s 2019 protests for economic fairness, France’s “Yellow Vest” demonstrations, and the Arab Spring started with real frustrations. However, they too often ended in violence.
In moments like these, we stand at a crossroads, especially those of us who follow Christ’s path. Will we allow our anger to ignite rebellion, or will we choose the harder, nobler road of peace, forgiveness, and reconciliation? The world is crying out for leaders who pursue justice with courage, wisdom, and integrity, not with rage and violence. Because no matter how justified our pain feels, answering injustice with destruction only shatters the very future we’re desperate to rebuild.
Understanding and Separation
The conflicts we’re facing now aren’t only about politics or society, they are rooted in deeper spiritual struggles. Ephesians
The struggles we encounter aren’t merely with the people around us; they involve unseen forces, dark powers and authorities that quietly shape the world we live in. Our true battle lies against the evil forces in the spiritual realm, far beyond anything we can touch or even perceive.
Revolutions like Luigi Mangione’s call on Christians to carefully examine what is truly just versus what might look just on the surface. The words “Deny, Defend, Depose,” may be born from genuine frustration, but when connected to violence and division, they disconnect from the core of God’s fairness.
When platforms like Give Send Go use faith as a cover for promoting division, they only intensify the spiritual struggle.
This serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that arise when political or cultural ideologies overshadow the authentic message of the Gospel. As Christians, we must stand firm in Biblical truth, even when it goes against the prevailing narratives of our time.
In Romans, Paul offers us a straightforward lesson:
Paul’s message is clear: “Don’t try to get revenge, friends. Let God handle it, because He says, ‘Vengeance is mine; I will repay.’” This teaches us that only God can bring real justice, and we should trust Him to take care of things beyond our control.
God is the sole judge of all things. When we glorify acts of violence or twist Scripture to defend them, we risk unknowingly becoming part of the very disorder that the Bible warns us to avoid.
What Christians Can Do
As the world becomes more divided, Christians must step back, reflect, and respond with intention and care. Here are four biblical principles to guide how we approach the challenges ahead:
Check Everything
Before aligning yourself with any movement or platform, pause and ask yourself: Does it reflect the teachings of Jesus? Are its actions cultivating love, joy, peace, and kindness—qualities outlined in Galatians ? If the answer is no, proceed with caution.
How to Seek God’s Guidance
If you find yourself lacking wisdom, James encourages us to ask God, who gives generously without finding fault. Before getting involved in any cause, take a moment to seek God’s guidance to ensure your actions are in line with His greater purpose.
Pursue Peace and Unity
In Matthew, Jesus makes it clear: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” Supporting violence or chaos, even in the name of justice, pulls us away from God’s call to be instruments of peace, reflecting His love and harmony in the world.
Urge Others to Be Accountable
As Christians, we are called to hold each other accountable with love. This responsibility extends to both individuals and platforms like GiveSendGo. Our actions must align with Christ’s teachings, and when we fall short, we should lovingly guide each other back to His example.
God’s Love, Justice, and the Truth of the Gospel
The phrase “Deny, Defend, Depose” has fueled feelings of anger and defiance, but as Christians, we must rise above these emotions. Instead of adding to the turmoil, we should reflect the love, mercy, and justice of Christ.
Matthew urges us to be peacemakers, champions of unity and compassion in a world filled with division.
As lawlessness increases, the love between people will start to fade, becoming distant and eventually cold.
No matter the challenges we face, let’s choose to keep our love strong. By staying grounded in the Gospel, we reject violence and division. Instead, we lead others to the Savior, who endured injustice for our redemption.
People find true justice not in words or force, but in the grace of Christ. God has already made it clear what is right. He asks us to act with fairness, love others with genuine kindness, and walk humbly by His side every day.
It’s up to us. Wills we let division grow or stand strong in the love of Christ? Let’s choose the way that reflects His heart.
Everything I’ve shared comes from my heart and mind and doesn’t reflect my employer’s views or policies.
