From Division to Harmony

This past year I spent some intentional time reading on the topic of faith and politics because I have been alarmed by the divisiveness and volatility I have witnessed over the past decade in America. To be honest, it is not surprising to me that this has happened to us…just read some history books and you could see it coming too. However, what has been most disappointing to me is how those who claim to be “Christians” have treated others amid debates, elections, social media posts, etc.

One book I read was Thou Shalt Not Be a Jerk by Eugene Cho. Talk about a title! This book equally calls out conservatives and liberals alike who claim Christ but have put their faith, trust, and quest for power and control into a particular party within the political system. It reminds us of the deep truth, which can be convicting, that our faith must inform politics and not vice versa. 

Another book I read acknowledged the reality of what happens when people manipulate their faith to justify their political affiliations and impose them on others. In Disarming Leviathan, Caleb E. Campbell boldly names this as idolatry and heresy as it aligns itself with the powers of this world rather than following Jesus’ example of powerlessness. His charge to us is that we need to humbly submit to Christ and change our ways if we have fallen into Christian Nationalism, and tenderly love those we know of who participate in its practices.

The final book that I critically engaged with was Not in It to Win It by Andy Stanley. I think he hit the nail on the head with that title. We are Americans, winning is what we do…and if we aren’t winning, we do everything in our power to win. This is exactly the problem, we can succumb to unchristian means if they justify the ends. Our desire to “win” has destroyed our ability to have difficult conversations, work together for the greater good, and countless relationships along the way. Is this really “winning”? I’d argue: No. I’d also argue that winning should not be the ultimate goal of our lives individually or communally.

Colossians 3:14 says “And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.” True love doesn’t care about winning, power, or control, and it doesn’t intend harm to another. Maybe you are like me: you want to see the divisiveness and volatility decrease in our country, you want to see churches grow again, and you want to see families whole again. Then it starts with me and you, to truly follow the Jesus way by putting on love and trusting that it can heal, restore, and hold everything together in time.

Grace and Peace,

Austin

*Published on 1/23 in The Osage County Herald-Chronicle