So, although George Whitefield’s presence may not be welcomed anymore by sinners at the University of Pennsylvania, that’s okay—his presence is welcomed forever by his sinless saviour in heaven. Cancel culture says some sinners’ names should be blotted out of history books. However, Christian culture—the gospel—says some sinners’ names are inked by the blood of Jesus Christ in the book of life. This includes names of sinners like George Whitefield, King David, and Samuel Sey.
Recently, the University of Pennsylvania announced they are removing George Whitefield’s statue from campus because of his racist words and his role in advocating for and participating in slavery.
The University said: “Honoring him with a statue on our campus is inconsistent with our University’s core values, which guide us in becoming an ever more welcoming community that celebrates inclusion and diversity.”
The University is right; George Whitefield’s character is inconsistent with their core values. Except that isn’t a condemnation against Whitefield—it’s a condemnation against the University and social justice groups.
Since George Floyd’s murder, Black Lives Matter’s biggest demands have been about defunding police officers and removing statues of apparent racist historical figures.
Essentially, the abolitionists removed (legalized) slavery from America. The civil rights movement removed segregation from America. And today, Black Lives Matter is removing statues from America?
The abolitionists wrestled against slavery. The civil rights movement wrestled against segregation. But Black Lives Matter is wrestling against statues.
That should be an indictment on the privileges and play-acting of social justice groups today. Instead, many of us have purchased front-row tickets to entertain this ridiculous façade of justice.
The abolitionists and the civil rights movement didn’t remove statues because their enemies weren’t inanimate objects. Their enemies were alive. Their enemies could talk proudly about their racist policies. Their enemies could walk proudly in whites-only areas. Their enemies were real people.
