Politics and Religion (Part 1)

I’ve been told to never discuss politics or religion.  Why?  These two subjects are deeply held beliefs for most people.  Part of our identity is held in our political stance and our religious affiliation.  If these two subjects are so important on an individual level, why must we hide behind a facade and decline to engage in such discussions?  Today, I will tip my toe into this pool of uncouth water.

First of all, let me say I reject the premise of any argument that there are only two sides to any issue and one is inherently wrong.  If you disagree with me on one point of a complex argument, I will not discount everything you say or stand for.  I would ask the same courtesy from anyone I discuss complex issues with.  Notice the word, “discuss.” I did not use the word “argue” for a reason.  I will not argue with you.  I will discuss nearly anything with anyone in a civilized, courteous, and loving manner.  The moment it turns into an argument, I’m done.  I won’t engage any further.

The following statements are meant to be generalities and observations.  There are exceptions to these statements.  I know good people with strong convictions who work hard to make a difference through media and politics.  However, I believe the following to be true about the media and political fields as a whole.  I’m praying the remnant God has in these influential fields will rise to the top and change their direction.

There are seven billion people on this planet.  That’s seven billion viewpoints!  We are told constantly there are two sides whenever a controversy arises.  We are told there are only two sides by nearly every news outlet.  Now don’t assume I have a tin-foil hat when I say this, “That’s what they want you to think.” We have gone from a society with a morning paper and the evening news to multiple 24-7 news networks, multiple magazines and news papers, and countless online news networks.  These are all funded by advertising dollars.  Guess what drives people to these media outlets… controversy!  For some reason, we are drawn like moths to the flame when there is negative news.  Those who run the media outlets know if they draw more people in, they will get more advertising dollars.

Politicians understand that if they can get people divided on an issue, they can get elected and re-elected.  Once they have enough people convinced they are on the correct side of an issue, there will be enough people to put them in office.  Once they are in office, they do what they want until about a year before election season.  That’s when they take a hard line once again.  This is why we the people don’t trust most politicians.  This is also why I don’t understand why people will argue over a political figure to the point they don’t trust each other based on who the other voted for.  Does this make sense to anyone else?

Most of us have never met a President, Congressman, Senator, or Supreme Court Justice.  Yet, we will go to the mat with our loved ones and friends defending the politician.  We are made to feel like an idiot if we voted for someone who is portrayed in a negative light by the media.  There are also some things we just “know” about you if you claim to be a Democrat or a Republican.  Enough is enough!  When will we just see the person standing in front of us?  When will we understand the person we are speaking with has a different perspective colored by their experiences?  Words cut and divide.  Do we think we are building the body of Christ by tearing each other down?

I realize at this point, this is going to take more than one blog post to convey my 1 in 7,000,000,000 viewpoint.  So, for now:  Discuss ideas and solutions, don’t argue and belittle.  Love one another.