By Brian Foreman
While theology and politics are remarkably difficult to extract from one another (especially since the words of Jesus about loving our neighbor and caring for those ignored by the religious establishment are political), let’s be clear: Jesus was not put to death for carrying a lamb around and telling people to love God and their neighbor. Jesus’ interpretation and application of the law and prophets scared, even threatened, political leaders.
The difference in what we see in America today is that, whereas Jesus’ political actions grew from his understanding of the holy scriptures, that order is now reversed for many. We all know people who start with politics and then seek scriptures to justify their political beliefs, even to the point of clearly misinterpreting scripture.
I do not believe that debate or argument to prove an opponent wrong is the way out of this. I do believe conversation, prayer, Bible study and discipleship are the way forward. However, when people come consistently prepared to unleash the latest talking points from social media or cable news, they are less likely to engage scripture, prayer or conversation openly and honestly. Worse yet, being right becomes more important than the human being right in front of you.
A Lenten Experiment
In the last few months, I have written a fair amount about conflict and how we attempt to keep relationships, our own sanity and our congregations together through what will likely prove to be a contentious political year. As I have discussed things to add, it did not occur to me at first that we should be considering what to remove from our lives that may help this process.
For an experiment about how you see others, the world around you, your own anxiety and scripture, I want to invite you into a Lenten fasting. This is not a fast from chocolate, soda or desserts. Instead, this is an invitation to abstain from something that removes you from your relationships or feeds your anxieties. Perhaps it is a particular social media follow, cable news program, podcast or radio show. Perhaps you commit to not “doom scroll” or find things that justify your anger, but instead opt for a walk outside or coffee with a friend.
Will you experience withdrawals? Yes, and this is a sign of a form of addiction. Are your relationships worth taking this risk? I hope so.
On Easter Sunday, what will you soul and spirit feel like after several weeks of not doom scrolling or finding yet another reason to hate (yes, I chose that word intentionally) a person based on the political label they wear? If you try this, I suspect you will find a new day dawning for your relationships and mental health. Perhaps you will even read scripture through a lens of seeking Jesus rather than seeking a God that agrees with you about politics.
On Easter Sunday, what will you soul and spirit feel like after several weeks of not doom scrolling or finding yet another reason to hate (yes, I chose that word intentionally) a person based on the political label they wear? If you try this, I suspect you will find a new day dawning for your relationships and mental health. Perhaps you will even read scripture through a lens of seeking Jesus rather than seeking a God that agrees with you about politics.
Brian Foreman serves as the coordinator of congregational ministries at CBF.