It disturbs me when anyone wants to erase or change facts of history, regardless of the event or issue. When this happens it does no good for anyone and the risk of repeated action remains. The circumstances surrounding the current issue, the Confederate flag being a symbol or the epitome of racial discord, still has people up in arms.
We do not state a pledge when looking upon the Confederate flag. We do not sing while we're in its presence and it does not bring tears to my eyes. The flag means something different for everyone. What it does stand for, to me, is my southern heritage. I have family who lived in central Alabama who believed in states' rights in the War of Northern Aggression. However, they probably never saw the flag in question. My ancestors were dirt farmers, coal miners and some ran a saw mill; no record shows any owning a slave.
Some people do not think upon the same terms as I do and I respect that. However, I must say, being offended is tolerable. What's important is how I behave when it happens. Do I become offended when I hear God's name taken in vain? Yes. Do I do something about it? Sometimes, but most times I cannot. I try not to make a big deal out of my moment of painful irritation. The reason Christianity is offensive to some today is the call to holiness. The Gospel is offensive to those who do not want to align themselves with truth. A watered-down Gospel is easier to accept, therefore causing lies to be accepted as history or fact. The Gospel is designed to be somewhat offensive because its purpose is to convict to show yourself unworthy without God.
The shooting at the church was horrific and should never have happened. In lieu of the incident, some people think parts of southern heritage should be expunged, thus the Confederate flag. Just as guns don't kill without a person pulling the trigger, a flag doesn't cause hate. The guilty party is the person who cannot and will not control their actions of hate. That person, who is innocent until proven guilty, should go through the justice system like everyone else. This does not mean society should dictate whatever is politically correct for the day to meet the need of the hour. We must stand up for what is right at all times. It is not right to provoke hate to meet a need.
It's not acceptable to change history because it is history which teaches life lessons. If the record is changed, society is at risk for history repeating itself. If we take down flags and memorials, what are we achieving? We won't have a flag in remembrance of the Civil War. Does it mean it didn't happen? Does it give more life, liberty and happiness? Does it control racial tension? No, I believe it will only stir the pot more.
When history is rewritten or information is no longer traditionally recorded, misconceptions and assumptions are the facts of the day. Just as lies are acceptable when watering down the Gospel, we can no longer learn from our mistakes if truth is scrubbed to be more palatable.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Offensive history