ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
September 18, 2025
There have been those who have urged the removal of displays about slavery from our museums. Such information is often described as “corrosive ideology.” I find it strange when history is called an ideology. History can be told from different perspectives, but as long as it is not someone making up history (which does happen), history is going to be corrosive at times because the truth is corrosive sometimes. In the TV series, Ted Lasso, Dr. Sharon offers the profound insight, “The truth will set you free, but first it will piss you off.” For many people, the discomfort that comes from the thought of being pissed off by the truth is just enough motivation to disregard the truth altogether. For those uninterested in the truth of history, not only will ignorance arise, but so will the possibility of repeating the worst and most damaging parts of history.
The Prophet Zechariah wrote, “Don’t be like your ancestors to whom the former prophets preached: The Lord of heavenly forces proclaims: Turn from your evil ways and your evil deeds. But they didn’t listen; they didn’t draw near to me. So where are your ancestors?”
The prophets continually reminded the people of their ancestors’ failures, and not just to make them feel bad. It’s as if they were saying, “Wake up! You’ve already walked down this road before. Remember? It didn’t end well. But if you change your ways now and learn from the failures of the past, you might experience a very different fate.” The truth will set you free, but first, it might piss you off. Knowing history can lead to wisdom, but it may first cause you to squirm or even get angry. If squirming or experiencing a bit of anger is necessary on the path to wisdom, which could be transformative, then I believe that’s a small price to pay.
As we wrestle with the truth, both past and present, we seek wisdom through which better and more just choices can be made for the sake of the future. I make this request of you, God of history, as you are the One who desires for us to stop making the same mistakes over and over again. Amen.
