Like many, I have observed the increasingly contentious atmosphere of our country (and, to a degree, our world) with a mixture of dismay, confusion, and outrage. I am equally tempted to respond in one of two unhealthy ways: 1) by becoming apathetic towards anything political, or 2) by making political battles the focus of my life, thriving off outrage and searching for enemies around every corner.
But what our country (and world) needs right now, perhaps more than ever, is to see a radically different response from Christians. To see Christians engaging others with speech, actions, attitudes, and perspectives that are foreign, even jarring to the norm. Here are four ways that Christian can (and should) discuss politics, or any contentious issue, differently.
- With nuance. We should bring a unique perspective, due to that fact that our ultimate source of right and wrong and how we see the world comes from God’s unchanging truth as revealed in the Bible. This means that our conviction regarding an issue ought to transcend any political party platform or ideology. We should be able to see the strengths, weaknesses, and holes in various systems of thought. Practically, this means that we should be able, and willing, to call out what is dishonorable in the political figure or party that we generally (or enthusiastically) support. And on the other hand, we should not refrain from praising the good decisions and actions of the figure or party that we generally (or enthusiastically) do NOT support.
- With respect for the dignity and value of those with whom we disagree. One of the foundational truths of Christianity is that all human beings are endowed with value, being the pinnacle of God’s good creation. While we can debate, argue, and even express anger in our discussions, we must not belittle and devalue others as less human than ourselves. As Karen Stohr pointed out in a insightful NYT article, “If I express anger toward you, I am engaging with you. If I express contempt toward you, I am dismissing you.” As those called to not only love our neighbors as ourselves, but our enemies as well (Mt. 5:43-47), we should never be okay with either dismissing or personally attacking an individual.
- Without resorting to apocalyptic/sky-is-falling language. As Christians, our destiny, security, and ultimate joys don’t (or shouldn’t) rise and fall with an election or supreme court decision. While God calls us to bring his truth and grace to bear on this world through various means (only one of which is political), we ultimately belong to a different kingdom and owe our allegiance to a different king. When our candidate loses or a bill we vehemently oppose gets passed, we can be disappointed and even angry, but shouldn’t be despairing and bitter. God is still in control and can still work good through us. Practically speaking, this means we should be very hesitant to pull the “antichrist” or “Hitler” card on a candidate. While there may be an appropriate time and way to discuss these similarities, most of the time these comparisons are made merely to stoke contempt, fear, and despair.
- With patient listening. James tells us to be “quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger” (James 1:19). I can hardly think of more needed wisdom in our current contentious climate. Living this out is a tangible way for Christians to love others, especially those with whom we disagree. Practically, this means we shouldn’t assume to completely understand an individual’s position and why they hold it. We should listen patiently, try to put ourselves in their shoes, and only then speak with a mixture of kindness and conviction. Specifically for pro-life Christians like myself, we shouldn’t engage those with pro-choice convictions simply by throwing out the “baby-killer” label, and never seeking to understand the reasons for their convictions.
In this divisive atmosphere, we as Christians have the opportunity to be salt and light, to be holy, in the sense of set apart and altogether different. By continually examining our convictions and attitudes in light of God’s revealed truth, we can display to the watching world that there really is something uniquely, yet consistently different to those who submit to Jesus as Lord.