Thursday, April 29, 2010

When Politics Trump Grace

A few weeks ago I mentioned that I try not to talk about politics much because:

1). I'm not educated enough to articulate my views in an intellectual manner, only short sarcastic remarks.

2). I end up getting into shouting matches with the Tea Party folks.

But there is also a third reason why I try not to talk about politics much: too often politics prevail over grace.

In politics it's not enough to simply explain why your viewpoint and your agenda and your policies are better than the other guy; you have to drag your opponents through the proverbial mud. You have to paint your opponent as not just naive or misguided, but a subscriber to the deadliest ideology since fascism. You have to make people believe a vote for your opponent means a vote to let the bad guys take away your civil rights and human dignity.

And unfortunately, I've seen way too many self-described Christians let their politics prevail over speaking words of love and grace. To them, Christianity is no longer about looking after the widows and orphans (James 1:27), but tearing apart liberals, gays, Muslims, etc.

For example, La Shawn Barber. I know I got into some trouble for talking about her before, so I don't want to say much (plus I'd be a total hypocrite if I tore her apart). But it does disturb me to see some one with such a heart for God use her words not to praise Him and build up others, but to tear apart liberals and anyone else she disagrees with.

Now don't get me wrong, there are times when we, as Christians, need to speak up against things that go against our values. And there are times when we need to gently correct one another. But the keyword here is gently. As the Bible says, "Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction." (2 Timothy 4:2, emphasis mine) It's so sad that there's hardly any room for this left in politics.

And, yes, I am just as guilty as Barber. It's hard for me to say this, but I sometimes use my words to tear people apart instead of building them up. I've used my tongue to praise my point of view instead of God. I love being right, even when I'm wrong. And anyone who knows me knows this is an ongoing struggle.

So here's my question--is there a way to talk about politics in a loving, graceful manner? Can we forget our political affiliations long enough to act like Christians?
Posted by at 5:14 AM
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3 comments:

  1. Is there a way?

    Hmmmm. Once we figure out how to be gracious in areas of politics, we can use the same philosophy when talking about issues of faith/religion. We tend to be just as "I'm really right,and you're really wrong" in those discussions as well.

    I recognize my need to be more generous towards others who have a different point of view. But it is really hard when you know you are closer to the best way of seeing things.

    It's hard not to be passionate, but I think the Jesus way of doing it is to be so gentle that it might look like you don't feel very strongly about the topic at hand. And then continue to live out your life in a way that reflects your own understanding of what is right and wrong.

    It's not easy to find the middle road on this.
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  2. It's hard-- I find it's often easier to just stay silent on political disagreements... until it is something I feel passionately about. Of course, that is when it is hardest to be cool and logical. I should really learn to speak up on less emotional laden matters, just to get better at it.
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  3. I think the answer to the question of Grace vs. Politics is faith...Look at Acts 5:34-39, this is where Gamaliel warns the Sanhedrin to be careful what they do to Peter and the apostles. He points out that there are always loud-mouthed people who think they have it right...but then he changes gears and says that if what they say is from God, then what use is it to fight against God? I would suggest the same thing. So what if someone is saying "oh those daggone (liberals/republicans/democrat/emergant/fundamental/calvinist/muslim/whatever) have this wrong and that wrong and are evil and bad and dumb and bad and dumb...etc" If that person speaks God's truth, then we'll all end up agreeing with them in the end. If they don't??? Well, they have somone far more qualified to show them the error of their ways...He's clothed in the whitest white, and His voice is like the rushing of many waters. They won't have a choice but take His rebuke.

    Now....if they profess to be Christians then the only rebuke to give can come from God's word. We should always use the Bible as the standard of judgement.
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