Zealots of a New Religion
Archaeologists tell us that civilisations build on top of each other. Thus, archaeological investigations are usually called "digs" because layer upon layer of settlement and successive civilisations have to be uncovered. Naturally, this can become a complex (and at times, expensive) business.
The point is that civilisations come and go. New civilisations rise up atop the old. The old get torn down, reduced to rubble, thereby enabling a rebuild or redevelopment to begin. But not any more. At least not in the minds of those who call themselves heritage campaigners. These dedicated followers of fashion would oppose the tearing down of any building to make way for new development or new land use because, by definition, the old represents our heritage, and our heritage must be preserved.
We are bemused. But the fanatical zeal of the folks involved is proof that in the minds of many of the heritage campaigners is a cause which runs deep in the soul. Like Arthur's knights they seem to be searching for a Holy Grail. The buildings and sites they want preserved have assumed a mystical, if not religious significance.
Let's be clear. We Christians love the past. Our (and your) God commands us to remember the events of salvation history with holy reverence and awe. From that great fulcrum stems the Christian love of the past, of heritage, of being able to trace descent, of knowing whence we have come. As we trace our past, we maintain the knowledge of our spiritual heritage, and our place and part in salvation history. We learn who we are, and why we have been created.
Christians, of all people, are interested in heritage--and not just our own, but of the entire human race. But we do not find ourselves wanting to join the heritage campaigners.
