REMOVING STATUES OR REMOVING HISTORY?
SHOULD CHRISTIANS ADVOCATE THE REMOVAL OF HISTORICAL STATUES?
Key Facts
At Least 110 Confederate Monuments and Symbols Have Been Removed Since 2015, 772 monuments remain. [1]
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said that the names of Confederate leaders must be removed from American military bases and the statues of these men must be taken out of the U.S. Capitol. [2]
A new poll shows a majority back removing Confederate statues, but voters split on renaming bases. [3]
Key Scriptures
Proverbs 24:24 “Whoever says to the wicked, “You are in the right,” will be cursed by peoples, abhorred by nations, but those who rebuke the wicked will have delight, and a good blessing will come upon them.”
James 3:17 “But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.”
Proverbs 17:15 “He who justifies the wicked and he who condemns the righteous are both alike an abomination to the Lord.”
Ephesians 5:8-10 “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light— for the fruit of the light results in all goodness, righteousness, and truth— discerning what is pleasing to the Lord.”
Application
The question of which statues should be legally removed or retired is a complex one that does not have a one-size-fits-all answer. However, it is important that Christians do not shy away from the issue just because it is difficult. There is no single comprehensive list, but below are a few questions that can help Christians to think through the proposed removal of a monument biblically.
What is the Purpose of the Statue?
As we begin to assess this issue, it can be helpful to address each statue or monument specifically as we consider its removal or replacement. One of the first questions to ask when addressing a particular statue is whether the statue is celebrating or remembering the figure or event. If the event or figure is being merely remembered and not celebrated, it is likely not crucial to remove the statue. This is because remembering history, even in the painful actions of humans, can often lead a person to recognize God’s provision and help bring them into a right relationship with Him (Deut. 8:2-5). These examples can also serve as a caution to modern onlookers to avoid making the same mistakes of those in the past (1 Corinthians 10:6).
In order to examine if the statue is celebrating or remembering, we can look at a balanced combination of intention of the author and the general response of the audience (as well as some discernment). In some cases, the intention may have been celebratory but now serves as a remembrance (i.e. antisemitic board games in Nazi Germany) and in other cases the intention was remembrance but it now conveys to the audience that the figure is being celebrated. Therefore, there is some wisdom and discernment needed, but the examination of both intention and response can be helpful in determining the purpose of the statue. If the statue is displaying an event/figure in a celebratory way, we should ask, “What is this statue celebrating?” It is important to examine if the figure or event is something that our culture wants to celebrate.
How do the Individual’s Flaws Affect the Piece?
On one hand, everyone is flawed (Rom 3:23), and this shouldn't disqualify individuals from being remembered for good they accomplished. Additionally, statues are often striving to recognize a noble achievement or movement rather than one individual person. Because of this, flaws may not always disqualify an individual from representing a great achievement. Because their flaws are not necessarily the point of recognition, a flawed individual can still represent a courageous act or historically significant circumstance.
On the other hand, some individuals may be so flawed, that it overshadows any potential or actual good that the statue is meant to represent. In certain circumstances, the person may be so flawed that a monument in their likeness may not be useful for celebrating a certain event or achievement. This is clarified by the example of a statue of Adolf Hitler commemorating his many measures toward conservation and animal rights. Although the Nazi regime was a frontrunner in this field, commemorating these achievements is inappropriate because of his many abhorrent actions. Therefore, one should consider if a person’s behavior is so evil and appalling that the commemoration of any such achievement highlighting this key figure is appropriate. This is a point of discernment concerning many statues today, but Christians should be careful not to symbolically vindicate the wrongdoings of others (Prov. 24:24).
What is the Appropriate Display and Context?
Some statues may communicate important truths about history, but it is important to question if the location in which they are displayed is an appropriate way to share their historical value. Sometimes, simply moving a statue from one location to another or adjusting the plaque to give a fuller picture of history can change its intent from celebratory to remembrance. In an effort to keep the historical value of a statue and display the shortcomings of the leader depicted, moving or adjusting the monument may be an option that could potentially unify many people on the issue.
Will Removing a Statue Accomplish the Intended Goal?
Still, other concerns may lead us to ask if removal of statues is the best next step toward healing in our nation. Removing a statue is easy, but addressing racism and systemic injustice is much harder. Some may be led to feel a sense of accomplishment following the removal of statues. However, this action will not change the problem of sinfulness expressed through racism and violent acts (Mark 7:21).
Statue removal may remove the offense, but other things may be lost like teaching opportunities. While many have suggested that Americans can learn history in museums, the statistics show that adults are unlikely to attend museums regularly.[5] Christians should consider the opportunities that statues may provide for teaching moments that can lead to gospel conversations.
Proper Removal of Statues
If a statue is to be removed, then the way in which it is removed also matters. Christians are called to submit to the government (Romans 13:1). In America, Christians have the opportunity to work through the governing system to legally address their concerns and make changes to these statues. This approach is crucial to address the concern of monuments while giving glory to God through submission to governing authorities. Joining or forming a mob to tear down statues does not reflect this value.
Conclusion
The community memories elicited by statues and monuments are powerful and should be considered moving forward with this debate. As we think through the questions above, and many more, we should let love for others and glory for God determine our response to this issue. The two greatest commands for Christians are to love God and love others (Matt. 22:36-40). Above all, this conversation should lead us to ask whether the support or opposition we have for each statue accomplishes those goals. No matter the conclusion that a Christian comes to regarding each statue, love for God and others should be prominent in their motivations and actions.