Words of Faith: Symbols are not benign

As I’m writing this, “The Flag” is coming down from the pole on the S.C. State House grounds in Columbia. There has been a lot of conversation the past three weeks about that flag and its meaning.

I stayed up late to follow the Legislature’s debate. I listened not just to the specific words, but to the meaning behind the words – because we’re talking about a symbol. Some might say it is just a symbol.

But symbols are important. Why else do we get our knickers in a wad about what people do and do not do with the American flag? People become passionate about this. Some say it is un-American to burn an American flag, as that action expresses hatred of country. Some say the burning of an American flag is OK. Some don’t like the burning, but believe that the action, ironically, represents the best of American freedom. Defacing the symbol of a country in a repressive government would result in arrest, or even torture or death, and are thus grateful to live in a country where people have to freedom to do even that which we abhor.

Symbols are important. The crescent and star were on the flag of the Ottoman Empire, and as it split up in the 20th century, the crescent and star were used on the flags of successor nations and gradually became a symbol of Islam.

Symbols are important, and can be used for purposes sacred and profane. The Magen David (Star of David) was not originally a uniquely Jewish symbol, but during the 19th century, became popular within the Eastern European Jewish community. From there, it spread until it was used on a flag at the first Zionist Congress in 1897. And then, that yellow hexagram was used in Nazi Germany to identify Jewish persons for discrimination, torture and death.

Symbols are important, and the meaning of symbols can change. The manji is a Chinese character which has, for centuries, been a symbol of sacredness in Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. But we know it as a swastika, adopted by Nazi Germany. While it can still be a sacred symbol for Buddhists and Hindus, no one would consider using it for peaceful purposes in Western Europe or North America. The sight of it causes revulsion in most of us.

Symbols are not benign.

Symbols are important. Why else is there such debate about team mascots? Some say it’s just a symbol, but others feel demeaned and trivialized by mascots they feel mock their lineage. We need to remember that symbols which do not offend us can truly, and for good reason, be offensive to others, and think about our role in using such symbols. (see swastika above.)

Christians, if no one else, should understand the significance of symbols. We sometimes wear around our necks a symbol which represents the means of execution for the most heinous of criminals in the Roman Empire. We imbue meaning onto that cross – that God is stronger than death, and that Jesus is alive.

We take a basic element, water, and use it as a symbol in baptism. A symbol of life and death, of forgiveness and new life. We take the most basics of food, bread and wine, and infuse great meaning onto them as we remember Jesus’ sacrifice, and from it gather around the table with the saints near and far, from all ages, and gain strength for the journey of faith.

They are all just symbols. But they are symbols which are deeply significant to us and our faith.

Symbols are important, and I believe that it behooves all of us to listen carefully to each other about the symbols that are important to each of us. We need to be gentle with each other regarding the symbols which cause pain, and show grace in the midst of difference.

This story was originally published July 13, 2015 at 2:39 PM with the headline "Words of Faith: Symbols are not benign."