“If We Do Not Unite, We Will Perish as Fools”: A Theological and Moral Plea for Chin Unity in a Time of Crisis

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 “If We Do Not Unite, We Will Perish as Fools”: A Theological and Moral Plea for Chin Unity in a Time of Crisis

(Danny Bawibikthawng)

 

Abstract

The Chin people of Burma, long known for their courage and Christian identity, now face an internal threat as grave as any external oppression. In the aftermath of the 2021 military coup, tribal rivalries, power struggles, and fragmented leadership have hindered the very cause of liberation. This article, grounded in biblical theology and supported by global moral voices, examines the spiritual and social consequences of disunity. Drawing on Scripture, historical wisdom, and the experience of oppressed peoples, it argues that the future of the Chin depends not on tribal dominance but on humble, Christ-centered unity.


Introduction: The Crisis Within

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once warned, “We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools (Martin Luther King Jr., “Remaining Awake Through a Great Revolution,” speech, National Cathedral, Washington, DC, March 31, 1968.)”¹ These words are particularly urgent for the Chin people of Burma. Though courageous in resistance against the military dictatorship, their internal divisions now pose a far greater threat than the external enemy. Disunity, pride, and tribal ambition are slowly undoing what courage once built.

The Bible speaks plainly about this danger. Jesus declared, “If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand” (Mark 3:24–25). Likewise, the Apostle Paul exhorted believers to “do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves” (Philippians 2:3–4). Sadly, many leaders and movements within the Chin community have ignored these truths, choosing power and pride over unity and peace.

This paper offers a theological and moral examination of this crisis, calling the Chin people to spiritual repentance, national cooperation, and a Christ-centered identity.


I. When Diversity Becomes Division

The Republic of the Union of Myanmar officially recognizes 135 ethnic groups. Among these, the Chin people stand out for their shared Christian heritage and resistance to tyranny (Minority Rights Group International “Burma Ethnic Groups”). However, internally, the Chin are made up of many subgroups and dialects over forty-two in total. While this diversity should be a source of strength, it has instead become a point of conflict.

Tribal identity has become a weapon rather than a witness. Some groups see their culture or dialect as superior to others. Language, rather than connecting the people, has become a barrier. Many refuse to work with others outside their subgroup, fearing loss of influence or identity.

This internal fragmentation mirrors the warnings of Scripture. Amos asks, “Can two walk together unless they are agreed?” (Amos 3:3). In the Book of Judges, chapter 20, the tribes of Israel engaged in civil war, resulting in the deaths of thousands. Their enemy did not need to destroy them; they destroyed themselves.

Chinese philosopher Mozi once said, “Unity brings strength; division invites ruin (Mo Zi, The Book of Master Mo).” The Chin today must heed that warning. Their strength lies not in tribal purity but in collective purpose.


II. The Illusion of Unity and the Reality of Pride

Many Chin leaders today speak often of unity. They attend conferences, post statements, and organize symbolic gatherings. Yet their true motives are frequently rooted in tribal ambition. They seek influence, not reconciliation. They present themselves as peacemakers, yet privately stir division.

Jesus exposed this kind of duplicity when He said, “This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me” (Mark 7:6). Public declarations of peace mean little without genuine humility and personal sacrifice.

Nelson Mandela once stated, “It is easier to break down walls than to build bridges when egos are in the way (Long Walk to Freedom: The Autobiography of Nelson Mandela).” Real unity requires more than talk. It requires the death of ego and the elevation of collective good over individual power. As long as tribal identity is placed above national or Christian identity, peace will remain an illusion.


III. When Resistance Turns into Oppression

Following the military coup of 2021, many Chin armed groups emerged as defenders of the people. At first, they stood for freedom and justice. Yet over time, some have begun to replicate the very tyranny they once opposed. They operate without democratic legitimacy and demand loyalty rather than dialogue.

The people follow them not because they are trusted, but because they are feared.

Lord Acton famously wrote, “Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely (Lord Acton, Essays on Freedom and Power).” This truth now haunts the Chin struggle. Leadership without accountability becomes indistinguishable from dictatorship.

Jesus offered a different model. “Whoever would be great among you must be your servant,” He said (Mark 10:43).  True leadership does not impose; it serves. It does not demand fear; it inspires trust. Without this spirit, armed movements lose moral credibility and become part of the problem.


IV. Immaturity, Misinformation, and the Crisis of Wisdom

In addition to political and military division, the Chin face another problem: a culture of false expertise and verbal recklessness. Many now claim to be political analysts, military advisors, and historians without any formal education or spiritual discernment. Social media platforms have become battlefields of misinformation and insult.

The writer of Ecclesiastes observed, “A fool multiplies words, though no man knows what is to be” (Ecclesiastes 10:14). Many speak as if they know everything, yet refuse to study, pray, or listen. Their words divide rather than heal.

Even religious leaders are not exempt. Some pastors and Christian leaders refuse to meet or partner with other denominations or tribes. They model division instead of unity. But the body of Christ is not tribal. It is universal.

Desmond Tutu once said, “The true test of leadership is how well you include those who disagree with you (Desmond Tutu, No Future Without Forgiveness).” Chin leaders must ask whether they are building unity or merely building walls.


V. Diaspora Influence: Healing or Harming?

Chin communities abroad in the United States, Canada, Europe, and Australia have considerable influence over what happens back home. Through financial support, online activism, and political advocacy, the diaspora has helped fuel the resistance. But they must now ask themselves: are we healing or harming?

Jesus taught, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21). Diaspora support must not be tribal. It must be national. If donations only strengthen one group at the expense of another, then they are investments in division, not unity.

Those living in freedom must not become agents of factionalism. They must become champions of reconciliation. Their dollars and their words must reflect the values of Christ, not the favoritism of tribe.


VI. The Path Forward: A Call to Humility and Christian Identity

If the Chin are to survive and flourish, they must turn to the principles of the gospel. The solution is not more meetings or stronger military campaigns. The solution is moral and spiritual.

First, the people must confess and repent. Pride, tribalism, and hypocrisy are sins. Only confession and repentance can remove their power.

Second, leaders must embrace humble service. Jesus washed His disciples’ feet before He went to the cross. Leaders today must kneel before they seek to lead. Influence without humility is dangerous.

Third, the Chin must rediscover their primary identity. They are not Zomi, Mizo, Laimi, or Asho first. They are Christians first. Their unity is not in dialect but in the blood of Christ. Chin, Zomi, Mizo, Mara, we are all one in Christ. If Christ cannot unite us, nothing will.

Fourth, they must pursue cross-tribal fellowship. Churches and prayer groups should intentionally partner across ethnic lines. Shared meals, joint services, and reconciliation circles can become the seeds of national healing.

Finally, they must practice radical forgiveness. As Dr. King said, “He who is devoid of the power to forgive is devoid of the power to love (Martin Luther King Jr., King, Strength to Love).” Without forgiveness, there will be no future, only a repeat of past failures.


Conclusion: A Choice Between Brotherhood and Collapse

Jesus warned that a divided house cannot stand. The Chin people today are not only facing an enemy in the military regime; they are fighting themselves. If this continues, the regime need not win. The Chin will lose by their own hands.

Dr. King’s words offer a final challenge: “We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools (Martin Luther King Jr. Strength to Love).”  Unless there is a radical return to humility, forgiveness, and Christ-centered identity, there will be no true liberation. Unity is not a strategy. It is a spiritual necessity.

The Chin must choose now. The path of disunity leads to destruction. The path of Christ leads to healing. May they choose wisely. May they choose unity. May they choose life.


Bibliography

Acton, Lord. Essays on Freedom and Power. Westport, CT: Meridian Books, 1960.

Desmond Tutu. No Future Without Forgiveness. New York: Doubleday, 1999.

King, Martin Luther, Jr. Strength to Love. Boston: Beacon Press, 2019.

King, Martin Luther, Jr. “Remaining Awake Through a Great Revolution.” Speech, National 

Cathedral, Washington, DC, March 31, 1968.

Mandela, Nelson. Long Walk to Freedom: The Autobiography of Nelson Mandela. New York: 

Little, Brown, 1995.

Minority Rights Group International. “Burma Ethnic Groups.” Accessed July 5, 2025. 

https://minorityrights.org/minorities/burma/.

Mo Zi. The Book of Master Mo. Translated by Ian Johnston. London: Penguin Classics, 2014.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2001.

 

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