When big-name conservative Christian leader died recently,
there were many people to celebrated his death. They had been raised in
environments where his influence permeated. His name, to them, was associated
with traumatic childhoods, harmful teachings, hate, cruelty, and tyranny. When
people think of evil Christians, they often think of the communities influenced
by him. Knowing he could no longer actively spread his harmful ideas was a
moment of relief, of celebration. I get it.
As millions wait another evil man’s death, I know that day will be of mixed emotions. We are not supposed to speak ill of the dead. But can we not celebrate when there’s a bit less evil in the world? Will one man’s death change the cruel culture? No. It’s not a victory, really. But it will feel like relief.
