Pulling Down Statues is a Foolish Distraction by Samuel H Johnson

America is experiencing an increasing flood of hate and anger as we wind down the summer of 2017. Our current president, Donald Trump is at the center of this turmoil with several misguided, divisive and racist statements, especially concerning the ill-advised march and the tragedy in Charlottesville, Virginia. One of the central issues surrounding this upheaval is the increase in decisions by state and city governments to remove the statues of supporters of slavery and segregation from the places of honor in the public square. 

However, pulling down statues of slave owners and segregationists is a misguided distraction. It's foolish, overly emotional, divisive and short sighted. These statues are representatives of evil in our nation but can you think of other representations of evil in our society? What about those institutions which quietly and subtly propagate the same racist values but under a more "decent" veneer? Many people and organizations have a political and/or economic agenda in using this division to further their self interests. Others hide their true, hidden racist practice by publicly condemning racism, white supermists, nazism etc, so as to appear ethical. This is how the hidden agenda of satan is promoted. It is important that Christians identify that real enemy - Satan. Evil must be exposed and condemned because it is detrimental to our nation. 

We are missing a teachable moment. There is no need to pull down these statues. The wiser option is to place a sculpture and/or plaque next to these statues with the truth about what these individuals represented so our children can learn. Imagine a big visible plaque or sculpture next to General Robert Lee's statue with this: 

General Robert Lee: military genius, a supporter of slavery and segregation and a traitor to the idea of the American ideal.

Now that is education, truth and an exposition of evil. Also an artist or sculptor can get a job! So beware and never get distracted by the noise of the moment. Take a look at the big picture and don't fall for the emotional confusion. Remember I Peter 5:8 "Your adversary, the devil' prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour"

Pulling down statues is a short-sighted distraction. We must expose evil with wise decisions. Don't fall for the bait.