Given the negative tone of the presidential race, it’s tempting just to ignore the whole mess and be thankful that we can keep religion and politics mostly separate. I’d like to suggest, however, that there are some positive things evident in the current political climate that we can notice and learn from. It may take some digging, imagination, and maybe even a little faith. But I suspect that what we look for often determines what we find. Allow me to call our attention to some important but sometimes unnoticed positives.
Ideas matter. In spite of the personal attacks and negative campaigning, I notice that words, speeches, and reports still matter. I admit they are often used in the service of tearing someone else down. And when the dust settles I’m often afraid we will have only succeeded in seeing the worst in each other. But I’m still glad we are free to share ideas and even try them out in a public forum. The gospel is certainly more than just an idea. But for many it has to start as such; as an idea that means something about God and about human beings. It’s an idea that matters. And it’s an idea that the world needs now more than ever. We may not like all the ideas we hear expressed, especially in an election year. But the fact that ideas still matter, and that we are free to share them, is encouraging.
Morals matter. Even at its worst, Politics is never completely separated from morality. Certainly, everyone has their pet issues and causes, many of which are contradictory and conflicted. But every society that has ever existed has assumed some sort of moral standard of behavior. In the past morality was often defined from the top down; from emperor to nobleman to peasant. Today we’re fortunate to have a more grass roots, bottom up sense of morality including notions of the common good and the moral fabric of society. Although we might question a public figure’s adherence to the moral standard, the good thing is, morality is not dead or passé. And it’s good and moral that we have the right to question authority. Today morality is just as relevant as it ever has been. Hate in all of its forms, for example, is usually seen as the antithesis of morality. We may disagree on what form of hate we disapprove of the most. But the good news is, we still live in a society that in its best moments still aspires to be moral.
Messiness matters. Living in a democratic system is messy. It’s especially messy when compared to either secular or religious forms of tyranny. A dictator or king can be clear and efficient regarding laws, morality, and who should have power. Likewise, a theocracy, whether modernized or not, makes for an efficient method of controlling the populace and deciding who deserves to be saved and who deserves to die. Put in that context, I think we have a lot to be thankful for; even in the face of negative campaigning and disorganized, messy, even uncertain political processes. “God bless this mess!”
In spite of these positives, we should remain vigilant about keeping our politics and our religion as separate as possible. Ultimately our common morality will not save us. And our religion should never control public policy. Jesus said the truth would set us free. He also realized that not everyone would understand that freedom. So, he said we should rejoice when we are persecuted for righteousness. Freedom is worth putting up with the mess; even if we are hurt by the mess. So, let’s be thankful, not hateful.
