Memorials Matter

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. - Phil. 4:8

This verse is usually thought of in light of maintaining pure thoughts, having uplifting conversations, and being Christ-like in current and future dealings. But I want to take a minute and think about it in terms of remembering history also.

Generally speaking, we remember the good things about our experiences. There are exceptions, obviously, but whether intentionally or unintentionally, most of our times spent reminiscing are on the fun, the funny, and the exciting. This goes for people too. When someone passes, it's in bad taste to spend time on their shortcomings, and rather we prefer to honor their memory by lauding the good.

But what if someone wasn't admirable? What if their actions were not praiseworthy?

Well, then the question becomes how is that person being remembered? Is it an honest appraisal, recognizing that their actions were not just, were not noble, and therefore discretely let that person's memory fade? Or do we paint a false picture of that person by only praising, only honoring, and only celebrating their accomplishments (for good or bad)?

Ted Kennedy died today. I don't believe that he should be honored. I believe historical context is a very powerful tool, and that by honoring him, we are implicitly suggesting that he is worthy of being honored. That his memory is admirable, excellent, or praiseworthy. And if we are holding him up as a standard of greatness, then we are suggesting that people strive to be like him. If we are teaching people to behave (womanizing, alcoholic, homicidal) and believe (abortion, evolution, other tenants liberalism) as Ted Kennedy did, then we are in serious trouble.

Jim