Recognizing the Signs
There have been calls for the Methodist Church to separate itself from the flame and cross symbol that Wesley spoke of because it invokes the burning cross of the Klu Klux Klan to some people.
Although visually similar, the two symbols are very different. Wesley spoke of the flame as the flaming word of Christ during the Pentecost. The KKK adopted the burning cross from the practice of Scottish Clans, who used a burning cross in the highlands to gather up the clan when going to war.
As a symbol, the cross predates the rise of Rome and its Roman use. It's used in many non-Christian cultures. Even though most Scottish clans are now Christian, they weren't always so, and the burning cross comes from that tradition.
The Klan does like to adopt Christian symbols, though. The Capirote, a pointed hat and hood, was originally used in Spain to indicate penance during Eastertide. How it became part of the KKK is convoluted and apparently involves ancient Mardi Gras traditions.
At the end of the day, anyone can use any symbol and claim to be sent by God. So far, God has never said, "Nah, this person doesn't represent me."
When I was a child in the late sixties and an adolescent in the seventies, I participated in both Episcopal and Methodist youth activities, including Summer Camp, Vacation Bible School, and Young Methodist Fellowship activities.
Searching for ways to reach us and ways to "speak our language," counselors and organizers searched for contemporary music to teach us that carried the message they wanted us to remember.
Father Peter Scholtes was a young priest with economics and business degrees in addition to his ecumenical degree. While he wasn't particularly known for his musical abilities, in 1960, he wrote a song that has been part of Christian youth programs ever since.
We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord
We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord
And we pray that our unity will one day be restored
And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love
Yeah they'll know we are Christians by our love
Anyone can use any symbol. You can't control that. If you want people to believe God sent you, you'll have to show them. They will know you are Christians by your love.
