"The Murderer Was Captured By the Flag"
I have taken a look at the Lincoln assassination and have learned several things I didn't know. I have learned there were three involved in the plot. I have discovered where John Wilkes Booth went after the assassination. I have learned what he said after he shot the president and I have discovered why he did what he did.
I didn't know Booth was present at the execution of John Brown at Harper's Ferry, West Virginia. Brown had initiated a slave uprising. Booth wore a militia uniform and stood guard in front of the gallows in anticipation that some of the rebels would come and try to free John Brown before his execution.
I have learned what set Booth off and put him on the path that led to the assassination. Lincoln indicated that freedom of the slaves was only the first step. The final step was granting them the right to vote.
I have learned there was a plot to kidnap the president in Richmond, Virginia, and I have learned some things about Booth's background.
What does this have to do with us? How does the assassination of Abraham Lincoln intersect our lives as Christians?
I have put in contrast the assassination of President Lincoln with the betrayal and crucifixion of Jesus. It has been interesting to think how Jesus knew about the plot and he knew who was behind the plot. He was aware he was going to be betrayed and his response to that was to invite Judas to the table.
It was an act of graciousness and love but he invited Judas to the table. It was the ultimate example of "turning the other cheek" and "loving the enemy".
What do you think?
How do you compare the Lincoln assassination with Judas at the last supper?
If you have thoughts on this write me at charlesschuster@fcfumc.net. If you are willing to share your ideas with other who read this page click on the box below.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Charles Schuster
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1 comment:
Dear Rev. Schuster:
With all due respect, it is not historically accurate that John Brown "initiated a slave uprising." He is often misrepresented in this way. A slave uprising or insurrection involved aggressively attacking and invariably killing slave masters and their heirs (e.g., Nat Turner's revolt in Virginia in 1831). Brown's specific intention was to lead enslaved people away, fight only in self-defense, and as much as possible avoid direct conflict. His intention was to destabilize the economy of Virginia and hopefully more slave states. I am a pastor and a biographer of Brown. I realize your main concern is Lincoln and Booth in this entry. I happen to believe that Lincoln is overrated as a liberator. Check out Lerone Bennett's controversial study, FORCED INTO GLORY. The man took a bullet in the head from a proslavery fanatic, and so I am sympathetic with him. But his record shows that he never prioritized the interests of blacks as human beings. He was a whites-first president, and his friend Fred. Douglass said so too. Best wishes, Louis A. DeCaro Jr.
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