On the co-opting of symbols--




One thing that troubles me is the repurposing --the co-opting-- of symbols for nefarious purposes. Imputing an excessive amount of meaning to a symbol is darned close to idolatry, too. Flags, hand signals, and even the Christian cross are all being used/misused in such ways as to erase their original meaning, and make them symbols of hatred and divisive behavior. 

Today is the feast day in the Catholic Church for the Exaltation of the Cross. Now, I understand the importance to the whole faith tradition, but it also made me think about the ways that the symbol of the Cross is being used to literally bash others. I am certain that Jesus would not approve. (I don't think that wearing a rosary as part of a goth wardrobe is all that great, either.) Now, there are some folks who would counter with "but things are just things unless you give them meaning." True, except that for a lot of people, the symbols carry a personal and communal weight. And when those symbols are twisted into badges for hateful behavior, or for disrespectful intent, then it's a lot harder to wink at it and let it go. 

Christian Nationalism is neither Christ-centered nor is it an inclusive ideology that would ever represent a nation. 

If a group of people waving a cross around is chanting hateful slogans and preaching exclusionary dogma, that is not Christ-like. 

In fact, I'm even uncomfortable with groups of people with signs standing on street corners-- that calls to mind the story about Pharisees in Matthew 6:5:

And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full.

It is often said that we are the only Bible (read: sacred text) that some people will "read," and that our actions on the daily have a lot more to say about what we believe to be right and just as opposed to what placards we are waving, what stump speeches we are giving, what rallies we are leading have to say.

I'm not perfect, far from it. I'm fond of saying that I'm a practicing Catholic-- and I'll keep practicing, in hopes of getting it right some day. But I know in my head and heart that Jesus would be sorely disappointed with the atrocities committed with his name stuck on them. In fact, I'd expect a major knotted cord and table flipping response. We can pray that those who are fueled by hate will find some inner peace and stop acting like vengeful toddlers, but we also have to set some pretty clear boundaries. The evil that is inherent in stealing a sacred symbol and making it serve harmful philosophies is not something we can tolerate, nor should we. 

Hug your loved ones,

C




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