Invitation to Civil Discourse: the Flag

Of course one young man with one gun made the decision to kill nine people at Mother Emanuel. He is responsible for that action and will suffer the consequences of his decision.

BUT if we stop there, we are in denial and perpetuate the lies BECAUSE:

1)      It is about the flag. That flag is a symbol, and symbols are powerful. Think cross for Christians, Star of David for Jews, and crescent moon for Muslims. That flag is a symbol of racial prejudice, hatred, and treason. It was raised on the grounds of the capitol in defiance of Brown vs the Board of Education. To claim it is about culture and heritage is delusional. What “heritage” are we proud of? Enslavement of human beings? Hundreds of lynchings of Black people? One in five children going to bed hungry at night? One in four children suffering abuse each day? Secession and treason? This flag belongs in a museum and in history books that accurately explain its purpose.

2)      It is about fundamentalist Christianity, ignorant of the cultural context in which the Bible was written. Holy war and the book of Revelation are some of the most violent literature ever written. Fundamentalists use it for their anti-scientific tirades, anti-feminist prejudice, homophobia, anti-intellectual denials of scientific progress, racial prejudice, opposition to marriage equality, and denial of our responsibility for social justice. They focus on ego-centric, individual salvation and ignore the clear moral admonitions of Micah, Jesus, and James. It cannot be said more clearly: love mercy, do justice, walk humbly with God, love your neighbor, faith without works is dead. These are active verbs, not weak suggestions. Abraham Heschel, the great American Jewish scholar said that if there is a future for the Judaeo-Christian tradition in this country, it rests within the Black church.

3)      It is about the lies perpetrated in the South about the Civil War. Yes, the causes were multiple, but at its heart was the question of slavery. “States rights” is code for racial prejudice and the desire to enslave people of color. It was treason to separate from a Union forged in blood and intended to be a beacon of light and hope, under the motto that “all men (humankind) are created equal.” The founders were not perfect, but they had a vision and a dream that challenges us everyday. The South tried to deny that, and thankfully, with Lincoln’s change of heart and vision for this country, it was not successful.

This nation needs healing. Mother Emanuel is leading the way. Removing the flag is one step. SANE gun laws and accurate history are others. Let’s all rededicate ourselves to being part of the solution, carefully guarding our words and deeds.