Tobi Raji and Michael E. Ruane reported in a Washington Post article that background information on black, Hispanic, Native American, and female veterans had been removed from the Arlington Cemetery website. Pentagon officials defended the deletion as part of an aggressive campaign to remove all references to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Also missing was any reference to the Civil War.
Their article quoted Civil War historian and former teacher Kevin M. Levin, “This is just the kind of history that we want students to be learning, a history that allows students from different backgrounds to make a meaningful connection with one of our sacred sites.”
PBS published a follow-up story by Leah Willingham, Jenifer Sinco Kelleher, and Tara Copp of the Associated Press. The story reported that some pages were restored that were deleted by the Pentagon as part of the administration’s widespread program to remove all content referencing ethnicity or race. It remains to be seen how many of the stories will actually be restored and whether redactions will substantially change their context.
Stories that highlight great accomplishments by persons who had to overcome challenges as a result of discrimination are particularly important. We’re all more motivated by successes achieved by people we identify with.
While it is clear that the mass deletions were not simply an oops or an overzealous software program, it is also clear the administration is attempting to rewrite history or at least help us forget certain parts of history. There were also deletions of stories of heroism by persons of Japanese descent who fought bravely in WWII despite thousands being detained using the same law recently invoked to justify the deportation of persons living in the U.S. legitimately and with no criminal record.
The purpose of history should not be to shame anyone. Rather, history is a great teacher. History helps us avoid past mistakes while allowing us to make new ones that those who come after us hope to avoid.
Herod was ruling over Palestine at the time of Jesus’ birth. While Herod was born into wealth and privilege, his kingship was not a birthright. Herod’s father was a descendant of Esau, the brother of Jacob/Israel. The descendants of Esau were known as Edomites. They settled to the south of Canaan and abandoned the God of Abraham to worship other gods. However, some Edomites moved to the hills of southern Judah a century before the birth of Jesus.
Herod’s father was a wealthy Edomite who chose to convert to Judaism. But he approached politics in the same practical way he approached his faith. He did whatever it took to get what he wanted. For example, He sided with Julius Caesar when it was apparent that Caesar would win the Roman Civil War. But after Caesar’s assassination, he switched sides. His flexibility and instincts made it possible for him to rise to the position of chief minister of Judea. However, his association with the Roman Empire made him a figure of hate and scorn among the Jews, and he later died by poisoning.
Herod apparently inherited his father’s political instincts. Following his father’s lead, Herod curried favor with the Romans, who eventually declared him the “King of the Jews.” But Herod knew he had little support from the Jewish people, who saw him as a collaborator and an outsider. So, to solidify his Jewishness, Herod sent his first wife and young son into exile so he could marry a Jewish princess.
Herod also decided he needed a new backstory. So, Herod created a new history for his family. A story where instead of being an Edomite, Herod claimed his ancestors were Jews who survived the Babylonian exile and returned to Judah after being freed from captivity. This new backstory made it easier for Herod to gain power.
When Herod realized that the visitors from the East had tricked him, he was furious.
Matthew 2:16-18
Herod faced any challenge to his legitimacy with ruthlessness. Even executing members of his own family, including his second wife. Herod also used building projects in an effort to win the support of the Jewish people.
Why does history matter? Herod was a deeply insecure ruler who rose to power by cozying up to a ruthless dictator. His success was built on lies. And while he had plenty of loyal supporters, most of his own people despised him.
And then, one day, a group of scholars showed up at the presidential palace, proclaiming that a King of the Jews had been born. For Herod, even the rumors of a new king posed a threat that required an immediate show of force. As a result, Herod became the first in a long line of people who wanted Jesus dead.
In his case, Herod signed an executive order to send the military into the village of Bethlehem to seize and destroy every male under the age of two. Herod was willing to do whatever it took to hold onto power.
But Herod also leaves us with an important lesson.
Herod offers a contrast between Jesus and the rulers of this world. While the rulers often stir up mobs and send in soldiers, Jesus embraced poverty, shunned the spotlight, and taught his followers that whoever wanted to be great must embrace humility and service.
And God affirms the Way of Jesus and the kingship of Jesus. Herod’s palaces and building projects crumbled into dust, but the gospel of Jesus remains.
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Pastor Tommy
Our series was inspired by The Reverend Jeremy Peters of Court Street United Methodist Church, Flint, Michigan, in collaboration with several United Methodist Pastors serving the Flint area. Pastor Jeremy wrote some of the content.
Tobi Raji and Michael E. Ruane. “Arlington Cemetery website scrubs links about Black and female veterans.” © Washington Post, March 14, 2025. Retrieved from: link
Leah Willingham, Jenifer Sinco Kelleher, and Tara Copp. “Pentagon restores some webpages honoring minority service members but defends DEI purge.” © New York Times, Mar 18, 2025. Retrieved from: link