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Chaplain\'s Corner - Cancel Culture

June 17, 2021

Cancel culture, according to Wikipedia, is: a modern form of ostracism in which someone is thrust out of social or professional circles – whether it be online, on social media, or in person.

Those who are subject to this ostracism are said to be "cancelled".* Merriam-Webster notes that to "cancel", as used in this context, means "to stop giving support to that person"** while Dictionary.com, in its pop-culture dictionary, defines cancel culture as "withdrawing support for (canceling) public figures and companies after they have done or said something considered objectionable or offensive".*** The expression "cancel culture" has mostly negative connotations and is commonly used in debates on free speech and censorship.****


This morning I was reading Matthew, chapter 24. Jesus was asked what the end of times would look like. It was not some grand event, world war, or natural disaster. He tells us that these things will happen but it is not the thing He points to. Persecution of the church is what characterizes the end times. Death, hate, betrayal, deception, and wickedness will be the character of the day. Jesus tells us in verse 12, “Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold,” (NIV).

Cancel culture is a total lack of love, grace, mercy, and compassion. There are no second chances in cancel culture, it is "one mistake and you're out". We serve a God who forgives and gives second, third and fourth chances. When Peter asked Jesus, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.” (Matthew 18:21-22, NIV).

One of my favorite pastors is Dr. Michael Easley (MichaelEasleyincontext.com). Dr Easley always says, “Don’t let the world teach you theology.” This is the point of cancel culture, it is a world view of life that is contrary to what God teaches. As Christian law enforcement officers, we must reflect Christ. We have a great opportunity to minister to the people in our jurisdictions and go against cancel culture by loving well.

Let’s show the world what the Christian law enforcement officer is all about. Be safe and be blessed.


*McDermott, John (November 2, 2019). "Those People We Tried to Cancel? They're All Hanging Out Together". The New York Times. Retrieved August 3, 2020.
**What It Means to Get "Canceled". www.merriam-webster.com. Archived from the original on June 18, 2020. Retrieved July 4, 2020.
***"What Does Cancel Culture Mean?". dictionary.com.
****https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cancel_culture

Charles (Chuck) Gilliland, Chaplain to the National Board and Executive Director

In addition to being a veteran police officer himself, Chuck is also a past president of FCPO-USA and the author of the Through the Eyes of a Cop daily devotional book series. Chuck can be contacted at [email protected]

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