Idolatry and American statues, the Internal riot pt3
Often erected for their historical implications, statues are amazing creations. Religious, famous athletes and historical figures are the usual recipients of them. A by-product of sports and religious fanatics who are driven by a cultish idol worship desire. Therefore the same must be said of statues of the white supremacists. White supremacists have the same religious zeal and enthusiasm as any religious extremist. They often share the same holy book as well,
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.-Romans 12:1-2
The first two articles on the internal riot can be viewed here and here. Being swayed by our emotions and impulses can lead us to act irrationally and do things we regret. An objective strategic approach to activism is needed to ensure the children’s safety and their future. This approach gives a better quality of life for the activist as well.
Too often, people are caught up in what the activist did for change, rarely discussed is their mental health, anxiety, paranoia, etc.—all the while managing family life, while not making lots of money. Activists have families, loved ones, spouses, children, just like anyone else. It would be to everyone’s benefit to start becoming detached from the senses while still being revolutionary.
I warn you as “temporary residents and foreigners” to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls.- 1 Peter:2:11-12
When we hear about desires in the context of spirituality, we often think of them in terms of the seven deadly sins. Yet a willingness to make the world a better place is still a desire. Furthermore, people of color express how they are under attack and at war with white supremacy. Perhaps believing that the war is spiritual and not material is more than half the battle.
Due to social media consumption, the war is being held on what we perceive with our eyes. Subconsciously how and why we consume the media leads us into battle every day. The war is for your attention, then your heart, then soul. This is how beliefs and ideologies are being ingrained into us.
“If any religious man dies amongst those people, they would build a place of worship at his grave and make these pictures in it. They will be the worst creature in the sight of Allah on the Day of Resurrection.”
Recently the removal of white supremacist statues all over the country is pleasing to the eyes of millions. Slight euphoric dopamine high that counters the beating our eyes took viewing police brutality. Again, knowing that there will never be peace creates fewer highs and lows on the roller coaster of this material existence.
An overwhelming majority of America’s existence has been spent fighting domestic wars. To assume there won’t be another one is to go against the odds and common sense. If reincarnation is allegedly real and history repeating itself is real, shouldn’t this at least take the edge off our desire for change?
“If there is any wisdom in the sacred teachings, there should not be any war. As long as a person is involved with warfare trying to defend or attack, his action is not sacred. It is mundane, dualistic, a battlefield situation…
I am speaking of seeing something more than just warfare, struggle, duality. If we regard the path of spirituality as a battlefield, then we are weak and feeble. Then our progress on the road will depend upon how great an area we have conquered, upon the subjugation of our own and other’s faults, upon how much negativity we have eliminated.”-Chogyam Trungpa
In conclusion, the removal of confederate statues is commendable while exposing the hypocrisy of white supremacy. The bible often used as their tool to justify slavery, yet graven images of white supremacists contradict their beliefs. It violates the second commandment as well. Our response to their removal while celebrated should be detached. Would replacing white supremacist statues with statues of activists be any better?
Are statues of anyone graven images and does promote idolatry? Let us know your thoughts below.