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By E. Benjamin Andrews - Andrews, E. Benjamin. History of the United States, volume V. Charles Scribner's Sons, New York. 1912., Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1718649
Most of us have become all too familiar with the phrase “cancel culture.” It refers to a social action in which a person or group are ostracized by popular culture due to a perceived injustice. While it may mean nothing more than frivolous shunning on social media or a social distancing for a short time, its effects have been much more devastating for others. Businesses have closed, individuals have lost jobs, and in the case of seemingly revered historical figures, their stories have been rewritten and erased from antiquity. Perhaps no other historical figure has fallen prey to this mass hysteria like that of Christopher Columbus.
Every student should know the story of Columbus. He is credited with the discovery of the Americas at a time in world history when Europe and Asia alone seemed to rule the map. Though himself Italian, Columbus first sought funding for his famed voyage from the king of Portugal. Since they considered it too great of a financial risk, he then turned to Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand of Spain, who eventually financed the expedition. So, in 1492, Columbus set out upon the waters of the Atlantic, pioneering in the naval vessels Nina, Pinta, and Santa Maria. He would eventually land upon the shores of the Caribbean Islands, and then proceed upon three successive voyages in the years that followed. As a result of his courageous journey, he would be honored in the centuries to follow throughout the United States with cities named for him (ex. “District of Columbia”) and countless statues erected in his honor.
While undoubtedly not a perfect man (no one with a statue in their honor is), his life and achievements are certainly worthy of remembrance. Discovering more than just land, Columbus’ expedition paved the way for the uniting of two hemispheres. The advancement of civilization was now thrust upon entire people groups in the Americas who had at that point been unknown to the world. Columbus’ discovery began a series of events which led in the next several centuries to even greater innovation and commerce. Of course, most memorable of these is the eventual founding of a new nation which would form a government forged upon freedom as the world had never known—the United States of America. Yet, relatively unknown are the reasons for which Christopher Columbus would set out upon such an expedition. In a letter to the King and Queen of Spain he wrote: I have seen and put in study to look into all the Scriptures…Our Lord opened to my understanding (I could sense his hand upon me), so that it became clear that it was feasible to navigate from here to the Indies…Who doubts that this illumination was from the Holy Spirit? I attest that He [the Spirit], with marvelous rays of light, consoled me through the holy and sacred Scriptures…No one should be afraid to take on any enterprise in the name of our Savior, if it is right and if the purpose is purely for His holy service.*
Yet, as many know, cancel culture has come with a vengeance for Christopher Columbus. Historically false and ridiculous accusations of his gross mistreatment of natives (all of which he was tried for in court and found completely innocent), his supposed greed for gold (which history proves was not a motivation), and that he was involved in human trafficking have been railed against him. While the mass of historical evidence overwhelmingly refutes such claims, Columbus has been canceled by many. In the past year, no less than thirty-three statues of Columbus have been leveled across our nation. For many, this seems like an obvious sign of the godless times in which we live.
Yet, the perspective of Scripture proves that cancel culture has long been a tool of God’s enemies. While there are numerous examples of satanic attempts to rid the world of Christ’s glory, one relatively forgotten event reveals it quite clearly. In 2 Kings 11, it is recorded that Athaliah, queen mother of Ahaziah, sought to destroy the entire royal family so that she might maintain power. This would mean an end to the Davidic dynasty in Judah, thus nullifying God’s promise from this line, out of which eventually the Messiah would come. In response to her evil attempt to cancel the line of David, others in the kingdom boldly arose to shield young Joash from this slaughter. In successive years, Joash would be raised to know the law of God and would eventually overthrow his evil grandmother to become the rightful king. This event exemplifies that Satan has long sought to squelch God’s glory in this world and it provides biblical precedent for the challenges to the gospel still. So, the following principles serve to guide us as we navigate in a world that seeks to cancel Christ.
1. Culture always seeks to cancel Christ.
As is recorded in the pages of the Bible and history, the gospel of Jesus Christ has rarely been a popular faith. The world system is under “the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience” (Ephesians 2:2). We should expect vehement opposition to the truth of the gospel. We should not be surprised that our current culture increasingly despises the message of the cross, for it is the highest foolishness to those who reject Christ (1 Corinthians 1:18). While we should never be undisturbed by the evil around us, neither should we be surprised.
2. Christ cannot be canceled.
Regardless of the attempts to cancel God’s Word and Jesus’ gospel, those attempts will be ultimately foiled. The Apostle Paul was “canceled” by authorities for his boldness in preaching Jesus. They tortured him and tossed him into prison, eventually sentencing him to death. However, he wrote “Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, the offspring of David, as preached in my gospel, for which I am suffering, bound with chains as a criminal. But the word of God is not bound! (2 Timothy 2:8-9). No unjust laws or social pressure will stop the spread of the gospel as it is proclaimed by the faithful!
3. God’s people must proclaim the truth in love with resilience.
In such times, we must not lose sight of our enemy. The culture which so maliciously attacks the message of the gospel is also desperately in need of that message. While we may grow frustrated with injustice and ridiculous accusations against the preaching of God’s Word, we must not relent in loving the lost or standing against evil. “The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the LORD are true, and righteous altogether” (Psalm 19:7-9). Christ cannot be canceled! Upon this truth we must stand!
Jason
*David and Timothy Barton, The American Story: Its Beginnings