Sacred Resistance: Wisdom from Oppressed Communities

Resistance Wisdom from Survivors

Throughout history, spiritual traditions have been wellsprings of resilience, resistance, and renewal for oppressed communities. In times of injustice, faith has not only offered solace but has also fueled movements for liberation. Whether whispered in sacred songs, woven into rituals that reclaim identity, or embodied in the simple refusal to be erased, spiritual resistance arises from the conviction that dignity and liberation are sacred rights. [See also this post on finding your unique role in justice work: https://abeltaine.blogspot.com/2025/02/you-belong-here-your-place-in-work-of.html?m=1]

The Power of Sacred Resistance

Spiritual resistance is more than protest; it is the deep, sustaining force that allows communities to endure and transform oppression. This kind of resistance does not always shout—it often sings, prays, or simply refuses to be erased. It is found in the prayers of enslaved people, the fasting of activists, the storytelling of exiled communities, and the quiet but unyielding presence of those who refuse to abandon their sacred traditions.

1961 March on Washington, U.S. National Archives and Records Administration

Singing religious songs has fueled connection and energy throughout many justice movements

Lessons from Oppressed Traditions

Different traditions offer unique wisdom on how to resist oppression while remaining spiritually grounded:

Jewish Resistance, Lament, and Tikkun Olam – From the Psalms to contemporary activism, Jewish communities have long used lament as a form of resistance, insisting that suffering be named and justice be pursued. The concept of tikkun olam (“repairing the world”) calls for social responsibility and action against injustice, inspiring Jewish-led movements for civil rights, labor rights, and refugee advocacy. Whether through prayer, protest, or legal activism, Jewish traditions intertwine spiritual resilience with the pursuit of justice. [See this post about lament: https://abeltaine.blogspot.com/2025/02/spiritual-practice-for-troubled-times.html?m=1]
Black Spirituals and Faith-Based Resistance – Enslaved Africans in the Americas wove messages of freedom into spiritual songs, creating coded calls to liberation. Over time, Black religious traditions—including the prophetic witness of the Black church, womanist theology, and faith-rooted activism—have remained central to struggles for justice, from the Civil Rights Movement to contemporary movements like Black Lives Matter. [See also this post on community ritual for resilience: https://abeltaine.blogspot.com/2025/02/communal-outdoor-practice-for-spiritual.html?m=1]
Indigenous Ceremonies and Cultural Survival – Colonization sought to erase Indigenous spiritual traditions, yet ceremonies, language, and sacred practices continue to be reclaimed as acts of defiance and healing. For many Indigenous communities, maintaining sacred ways is itself a form of resistance, affirming connection to ancestors, land, and spirit despite centuries of oppression. Spiritual resistance restores connection. It reminds us that justice is not merely a human demand—it is a sacred imperative. [For more on how activism can be a sacred act, see this post: https://abeltaine.blogspot.com/2025/01/reclaiming-sacred-in-activism.html]

Pagan and Folk Traditions Defying Erasure – Earth-based traditions across cultures have resisted assimilation through hidden rituals, oral traditions, and community practices. Many family lineages safeguarded their sacred wisdom through coded symbols, festivals, and small communal gatherings. These traditions persist today, offering pathways of resilience and remembrance. [See also this blog on stories of revolution: https://abeltaine.blogspot.com/2025/01/stories-to-sustain-us-building-world-we.html]

While some traditions resist through protest and public witness, others cultivate resistance through inner transformation and nonviolent presence.

Buddhist Nonviolent Resistance – From Thich Nhat Hanh’s engaged Buddhism to the self-immolation of monks protesting injustice, Buddhist traditions have long practiced resistance through presence, compassion, and nonviolence. [See also this post on responding to oppression: https://abeltaine.blogspot.com/2025/03/crises-coups-and-compassion-how-to.html?m=1]
Liberation Theology in Latin America – In the 20th century, Catholic theologians and activists in Latin America responded to systemic injustice with a faith deeply rooted in justice. Liberation theology, championed by figures like Gustavo Gutiérrez, Leonardo Boff, and Óscar Romero, insisted that the Gospel calls for solidarity with the poor and resistance to oppression. Community-based movements empowered the marginalized to reclaim both spiritual and political agency, often at great personal risk. 

Survival depends on the people who show up for you, and on taking action to care for yourself. [See also this post on making a plan for survival: https://abeltaine.blogspot.com/2025/03/have-plan-for-when-disaster-strikes.html]

The Dalai Lama and Marco Pannella, CC2.0

Both men have worked tirelessly for peace, community care, and justice, drawing strength from their faiths.

Resistance Rooted in the Sacred

Oppressive systems seek to sever people from their sacred worth, but spiritual resistance restores that connection. It reminds us that justice is not just a human demand—it is a sacred imperative. Whether through prayer, protest, art, or quiet endurance, spiritual traditions continue to nurture resistance, offering hope and transformation for generations to come.

How have you seen spiritual resistance at work in your own tradition or community? How might you revive a practice for the needs of this time?

Beloved, you are whole, holy, and worthy,

Rev. Amy

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For Further Reading

Books

• The Uncommon Book of Prayer: A Guide to Co-Creating With the Universe – Heidi Smith

Explores prayer as a method for spiritual resistance and co-creation with the universe.

https://www.vogue.com/article/uncommon-prayer-book

• A Theology of Liberation – Gustavo Gutiérrez

This foundational text delves into the principles and origins of liberation theology.

https://www.orbisbooks.com/a-theology-of-liberation.html

• The Power of the Poor in History – Gustavo Gutiérrez

Gutiérrez reflects on the role of the impoverished in shaping history and the church’s mission.

https://www.orbisbooks.com/the-power-of-the-poor-in-history.html

• Church: Charism and Power – Leonardo Boff

Brazilian theologian Boff discusses the institutional challenges faced by liberation theology within the Catholic Church.

https://www.orbisbooks.com/church-charism-and-power.html

• The Gospel in Solentiname – Ernesto Cardenal

A collection of reflections from Nicaraguan peasants interpreting the Gospels through the lens of their lived experiences.

https://www.orbisbooks.com/the-gospel-in-solentiname.html

• We Make the Road by Walking: Conversations on Education and Social Change – Myles Horton and Paulo Freire

While not exclusively about liberation theology, this dialogue between two educators touches on themes of empowerment and social justice relevant to the movement.

https://www.dukeupress.edu/we-make-the-road-by-walking

Articles

• Good News for the Oppressed? Exploring the Spiritual, Political, and Intercultural Dimensions of Howard Thurman’s Philosophy – Aizaiah G. Yong

Examines Howard Thurman’s work on spirituality and justice.

https://www.mdpi.com/2077-1444/15/3/358

• Continuing Conjure: African-Based Spiritual Traditions in Colson Whitehead’s ‘The Underground Railroad’ and ‘The Nickel Boys’ – Kameelah L. Martin

Explores how African spiritual traditions serve as resistance in literature.

https://www.mdpi.com/2077-1444/10/7/403

• Lament, Protest, and Resistance – Keith Hebden

Discusses the role of lamentation in spiritual resistance.

https://gracetruth.blog/2012/10/15/lament-protest-and-resistance-by-keith-hebden

Blogs and Online Resources

• A Silent Battle: Spiritual Resistance During the Holocaust

Highlights Jewish spiritual resistance during the Holocaust.

https://biahs.co.uk/2021/09/08/a-silent-battle-spiritual-resistance-during-the-holocaust

• Spiritual Resistance in the Ghettos – Holocaust Encyclopedia

Discusses forms of spiritual resistance under Nazi oppression.

https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/article/spiritual-resistance-in-the-ghettos

• Life, Death, and Spiritual Resistance in the Warsaw Ghetto

Examines how Jewish communities maintained dignity through underground religious activities.

https://cswr.hds.harvard.edu/2017/02/17/Life_Death_and_Spiritual_Resistance_in_the_Warsaw_Ghetto

Communal Outdoor Practice for Spiritual Resilience

Spiritual Resilience Ritual

When oppression weighs on the body, mind, and spirit, we need practices that root us in our dignity, strengthen our resolve, and connect us to something greater than fear. The following spiritual practice is designed for those navigating injustice – whether you are directly targeted, supporting others, or working for change. This is a way to stay resourced, ethical, and present, even in times of struggle.

Engaging in communal outdoor activities fosters connection, resilience, and spiritual renewal. This inclusive practice is designed to accommodate individuals of diverse abilities and backgrounds, emphasizing movement, shared experiences, and the restorative power of nature. Participants can adapt the practice to their local environments and personal needs.

Group of people walking at sunset on waterfront CC0

Preparation

1. Assemble Your Community: Invite friends, family, or members of your support network to join. Ensure the group is aware of the planned activities and the importance of dressing appropriately for the weather.

2. Choose an Accessible Location: Select a natural setting that is accessible to all participants, such as a park with paved paths, a beach with boardwalk access, or a nature reserve with wheelchair-friendly trails. Consider the terrain and ensure it accommodates various mobility needs.

3. Plan Inclusive Activities: Decide on activities that involve gentle movement and encourage interaction, such as a nature walk, seated yoga, or mindful observation exercises. Ensure the activities are adaptable to different abilities and energy levels.

The Practice

The following structure is a guideline; feel free to adjust the timing to suit your group’s preferences and needs.

1. Opening Circle (15 minutes)

• Gather Together: Form a circle in a comfortable area. Acknowledge each participant’s presence, fostering a sense of belonging.
• Set Intentions: Invite each person to share a word or phrase representing their intention for the practice (e.g., connection, healing, strength).

2. Mindful Movement and Sharing (45 minutes)

• Begin the Activity: Start your chosen outdoor activity, maintaining a pace comfortable for all participants.
• Sensory Engagement: Encourage the group to engage their senses – notice the sounds, scents, and sights of the environment.
• Shared Reflections: During the activity, invite participants to share:
• One Fear: Acknowledge a current fear or challenge.
• One Source of Strength: Identify something that provides resilience or support.
• One Commitment: State a personal commitment to action or growth.

This sharing fosters vulnerability and mutual support, strengthening communal bonds.

3. Rest and Reflect (20 minutes)

• Find a Comfortable Spot: Pause in a tranquil area. Ensure seating is available for those who need it.
• Group Reflection: Invite participants to discuss any insights or feelings that emerged during the activity.
• Collective Breathing: Engage in synchronized deep breathing, inhaling the fresh air and exhaling together, symbolizing unity and shared purpose.

4. Closing Ritual (10 minutes)

• Express Gratitude: Each person shares something they are grateful for from the experience.
• Affirmation: As a group, affirm your collective resilience and commitment to supporting one another.
• Closing Gesture: Consider a unifying gesture, such as a group cheer, a collective bow, or a moment of shared silence, honoring the strength and solidarity of the community.

Consent

To ensure a respectful and inclusive environment, integrate consent culture practices throughout the session:

• Physical Contact: Always seek explicit consent before initiating any physical contact. For example, before a closing gesture like a group hug, ask, “Would everyone be comfortable with a group hug?” and respect individual preferences.
• Sharing Personal Experiences: Encourage participants to share only what they feel comfortable disclosing. Emphasize that passing or opting out of sharing is perfectly acceptable.
• Activity Participation: Clearly explain each activity beforehand and allow participants to opt out or suggest alternatives if they are uncomfortable.

By prioritizing consent, the group fosters a culture of respect and safety, ensuring that all participants feel valued and heard.

Post-Practice Integration

• Refreshments: After the activity, share a meal or snacks, accommodating dietary preferences and restrictions.
• Continued Support: Encourage participants to stay connected through group chats or regular meet-ups, providing ongoing support and community.
• Plan Future Gatherings: Discuss making this a regular practice, adapting activities to seasonal changes and group interests.

Engaging in this inclusive communal outdoor practice not only strengthens individual resilience but also fortifies the bonds within your community, providing collective support and spiritual nourishment amidst life’s challenges.

You  are whole, holy, and worthy,

Rev. Amy

Looking for support in creating rituals that foster community and resilience? Reach out to Rev Amy at http://AmyBeltaine.info

See similar rituals for Lament and personal resilience.

Spiritual Resistance in Chaotic Times: Strength, Meaning, and Hope

Equipping Spiritual Resistance

In times of rising totalitarianism, when entire communities are targeted with discrimination, hatred, and violence, how do we survive? How do we stay whole, ethical, and grounded in our values? How do we resist without losing ourselves to despair?

For those of us who accompany others on their spiritual journeys – whether as spiritual companions, activists, or simply as friends – these questions are urgent. The people who turn to us may be trans folks, people of color, Spanish speakers, disabled people, or anyone marginalized in America’s current climate. They seek spiritual resources to endure, resist, and reclaim joy in the midst of oppression.

History offers us voices of those who have survived and resisted before. Their wisdom has been forged from the worst of times:  Nazi concentration camps, Soviet gulags, fascist regimes, and anti-colonial struggles. They remind us that even in the fearful times, people have found ways to sustain their spirits, to resist oppression, and to pass on commitment to love, like a candle flame.

Candle lighting another candle (Pexel)

Finding Meaning in the Struggle

Viktor Frankl, a Holocaust survivor and psychiatrist, wrote that “everything can be taken from a man[sic] but one thing, the last of the human freedoms, to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.” Frankl found that even in the depths of suffering, meaning was possible. He saw prisoners who, despite starvation and brutality, shared their last piece of bread, and others who found dignity in comforting a fellow inmate.

To resist despair, we must ask: What meaning can we make of our struggle? For some, it may be the commitment to care for others. For others, it may be the knowledge that survival itself is resistance. And for many, it is the understanding that we are part of a lineage of resistance, what Czesław Miłosz called, in “The Captive Mind,” “a mandate from those who have perished, a mandate to act in their place and to fulfill their unfulfilled hope.”

Resisting Silence and Fear

Totalitarianism thrives on silence. It isolates, shames, and convinces people that resistance is futile. Nadezhda Mandelstam, who lived through Stalin’s purges, wrote: “If nothing else is left, one must scream. Silence is the real crime against humanity.” Speaking the truth – even in whispers, even in hidden circles – is a form of defiance.

In Persepolis, Marjane Satrapi tells of her childhood under the Iranian regime, where even wearing the wrong kind of clothing could be deadly. Yet her family laughed together in secret, held underground discussions, and kept the memory of freedom alive. To resist, we do not always need grand gestures; we need only to refuse the lie that we are alone.

The Power of Community and Ritual

Valarie Kaur, a Sikh activist in the USA, speaks of revolutionary love: the idea that survival and resistance are deeply tied to community and care. “The darkness of the womb,” she says, “is not the darkness of the tomb.” Even when everything feels hopeless, something new can be born if we hold each other up.

For those of us providing spiritual companionship, this means helping others stay connected to their traditions, ancestors, and practices. In “My Grandmother’s Hands”, Resmaa Menakem teaches us that trauma is stored in the body, but so is resilience. Simple rituals, breathing, humming, grounding in nature, can remind us that we belong to something larger than our suffering.

As spiritual companions, we can help people ask:

• What practices keep me connected to my dignity?
• Who are my people, past and present, who remind me that I am not alone?
• What stories, prayers, or songs bring me strength?

Plant with roots in water glass (Pexels)

Courage, Humor, and the Refusal to Submit

Vaclav Havel, who resisted Soviet rule in Czechoslovakia, wrote that “hope is not the conviction that something will turn out well, but the certainty that something makes sense, regardless of how it turns out.” To live in truth, even in small ways, is resistance.

Primo Levi, an Auschwitz survivor, reminds us that laughter is an act of defiance: “If you lose the ability to laugh, you lose the ability to think.” Humor, even in dangerous times, keeps us human. The ability to see absurdity in oppression –to laugh at tyranny’s pomposity, or dance furiously – is a form of spiritual resilience.

Laughing kids on street (Pexels)

Bearing Witness, Holding Memory

Anna Akhmatova, a poet under Stalin, stood in the prison lines with other women, waiting to hear the fate of their loved ones. She wrote, “I stand as witness to the common lot, survivor of that time, that place.” Bearing witness, refusing to let suffering be erased, is itself a form of resistance.

George Orwell warned that authoritarian regimes seek to “obliterate people’s understanding of their own history.” We see this now, as books are banned, histories are rewritten, and entire communities are told they do not belong. Holding memory, telling stories, and refusing to forget is an act of defiance.

Living as Resistance

The line between survival and resistance is not always clear. Sometimes, getting out of bed is resistance. Sometimes, feeding each other is resistance. Sometimes, telling a joke, breathing deeply, or singing an old song is resistance. Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn reminds us, “One word of truth shall outweigh the whole world.” Even in a time of fear, we can choose truth.

For those of us who guide others spiritually, our role is to help people remember: You are not alone. You have ancestors – of blood, of spirit, of struggle – who have traveled this road before. You carry something within you that no regime, no oppressor, no law can take away. You are whole, holy, and worthy.

We resist not only for ourselves but for those who came before and those who will come after. And in that resistance, we find each other. We find joy. And we find life.

Let us remain faithful: Faithful to our wholeness, faithful to one another, and faithful to the work we must do.

Blessings of resistance,

Rev. Amy

Deepen and explore spiritual practice and find meaning through spiritual direction work. Find a Spiritual Companion, visit http://AmyBeltaine.info or https://shorturl.at/pr0ue or http://UUSDN.org 

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