August 14, 2017

• Christianity at Appomattox On Trial

  The US Civil War ended differently than most Civil Wars did historically. In most countries, Appomattox would have been the beginning of a slaughter. The Southern generals and their families would have been rounded up and shot. Prison camps would have opened, and Southerners would have been transported to remote states, exiled. The South would not only not rise again, the North would actively crush and occupy it, for good.

  But...Ulysses S. Grant and Abraham Lincoln had decided differently. They decided on a resolution that was based on, dare I say, a Christian mindset. (Yes, before you say it, it wasn't necessarily very "Christian" when Sherman rampaged through the South, but that's a different debate for a different day.) They forgave the South. Robert E Lee was not hung on the spot. For the most part, the Southern soldiers were allowed to return to their homes and even keep their pistols.

  It's one of the greatest experiments in history. And until now, there's some evidence that it was the right choice. (Although perhaps we should have had a second Civil War after some of the violent atrocities against black people from 1880's on, again, different debate for a different day). But now, that decision has to be re-examined. Because if the seeds of slavery are strong enough that they are sprouting up again, 150 years later, maybe Lincoln was too merciful. Maybe Grant should have hung Lee from the highest tree. It's an awful thought, but it's on the table now.

  So...yes, I think a legacy of Christianity in America is up for debate because of the white supremacy actions of the last few years. And so as an American Christian, I find myself thinking that we must resist anything that looks like the return of slavery's evil. The mercy that was extended at Appomattox was done in hope. But if that mercy leads to evil, then judgment must be applied.

  I know that's a little out there, and perhaps odd, but just some thoughts.

  • 11:07 pm
  • 5 Comments