“Mixing Christianity and politics is like mixing ice cream and manure. It does not affect the manure very much. But it sure does ruin the ice cream.” – Tony Campolo
As we approach an election year, we need to talk about how we talk. Because I will be honest, I don’t want to see the ice cream ruined.
One of the things I love about pastoring Grassroots is the diverse and eclectic nature of our community. And though it is hardly mentioned, this includes politics. Our community includes democrats, republicans, independents, agnostics (politically speaking, of course), and more. But with this comes a tension. Especially during election season. Can we learn to love each other even if we disagree? Is our faith in Jesus more powerful than our political diversity? Can we listen, love, and respect one another with the love and grace of Christ?
So, here are a few ground rules we have learned along the way:
1) Don’t Let Politics Steal Your Identity. For the Christian, our identity is rooted in Jesus. We are first children of God, brothers and sisters in Christ, ministers of reconciliation, and the light of the world. Politics have a way of making us forget who we are and how we are called to live.
When we put our politics before our faith, it is idolatry. And when we identify ourselves by our political parties, more than we identify ourselves by our faith, it is idolatry. So, don’t let politics steal your God-given identity.
2) Words Matter. This should be pretty straight forward. Gossip, slander, personal attacks, deceit (which includes false claims, exaggerations, and most campaign propaganda) are not okay. This might be the norm for political rhetoric. But it is not the norm for followers of Christ.
This includes Facebook. Especially Facebook.
3) Don’t Antagonize. I admit politics can be funny. Comedians should really pay politicians commissions for all the material they give them. And it can be really tempting to mock people you do not like. But, don’t do it!
When we mock people we do not like, it deepens division and fractures relationships. If you really cannot resist political humor, try only posting jokes about the politicians/policies you advocate for. (Not as funny, right?!)
4) Have Convictions. By all means, vote. Engage. Care. Influence.
Just remember that convictions do not require us to hate, slander, and villainize those we disagree with.
5) Church as a Politic. I believe with all my heart that the local church is the hope of the world. As a Christian, remember God’s politic is the church. His plan for reconciling the world to himself is not a political party or governmental system, it is the local community of believers.
This election year, there will be lots of talk about the problems our country faces, the work that needs to be done in the world, and our hopes for the future. Talk about these things as a church! Don’t outsource to the government the work God has called us to do.
So, can we do better this year? Can we learn to have civil conversations? Can we learn to love those with whom we disagree? Can we let our faith in Christ be more powerful than the political divisions of this world?
Can we keep the manure out of the ice cream?
