I don’t talk about politics online but I will talk about how we talk about politics. I hope you find something in here helpful because many of the conversations I have seen are trainwrecks and Christians somehow forget they are disciples when it comes to talking politics.
Here we go…
1 – Effective Engagement
When I say I don’t really engage in political discourse on social media what some people hear me say is we shouldn’t engage with people on politics. That’s not at all what I think. Effective engagement comes through relationship and in person. Any chance we have at making an impact will come when we look someone in the eye and both really take the time (which can take a very long time – multiple conversations) to really understand each other. Trying to do this 100 words at a time in hypertext may not be the best use of our time depending on our goals…that can accomplish a purpose but I don’t often think it actually moves the needle in the ways I care about.
2 – It is impossible to separate your politics and your faith/theology
The question is, which one takes priority for you? Or asked another way, which one do you put more faith in? Often Christians rely more on the government to solve problems we should be looking to God or God’s people to solve. That doesn’t mean the government can’t or shouldn’t be a part of the solution, just that we may wind up defaulting to the government handling things we should be handling. If you have more faith in the government, party or president than God you have an idol in your life. If you think God can’t use the other party because you are so partisan, you have an idol in your life.
3 – Patriotism vs Nationalism
It is entirely appropriate to appreciate the country you live and have some patriotism. That is not the same as nationalism.
4 – Not all people are ready to have a productive conversation.
The political conversation requires a lot of nuance, patience and listening. Social media has trained us to talk and not listen. How many times have you had a conversation online and you are addressing someone’s questions and they just keep bringing up more stuff without responding to all the work you put in with substantive replies? We get upset because we expected them to have something to offer they just don’t have. Once you realize this, you will have more grace.
5 – Opinions
All opinions can be expressed but not all opinions are equally solid, informed or realistic.
6 – Be Kind
Just because an opinion isn’t a good one (in your opinion) doesn’t give you permission to be rude, obnoxious or be a troll.
7 – Broad negative generalizations are rarely helpful and never accurate.
I saw a comment the other day that said if you vote for a certain individual you are a ped*file. Seriously? This approach is lazy at best and dishonest at worst.
8 – Respect the Person & Process
The views we hold come from a lifetime (even generations) of experience and thinking things through. The person who holds the other view has also most likely really thought about it. Because our view seems to obvious and simple to us, it can feel like anyone who thinks differently clearly hasn’t thought about it but I can assure you most people have. To talk at them like they haven’t is typically disingenuous.
9 – You can be right on the issue and wrong on your approach.
10 – If you struggle to love those you disagree with, you have a deeper issue going on that I suggest you pray and ask help from God on.
What would you add?
One Response
I would add, simply, a willingness to be open to the fact that my sources may be feeding me incorrect information. JUST because A is A, does not mean that A is correct, or even honest in presentation. Be open to multiple sources, no matter what others claim: I know everything, you do not have to look anywhere else; but if you DO check somewhere else, I no longer want to be your friend.