Thread by @sometimesalight

Wanted to circle round on this from last week & reiterate the importance of getting underneath the issues. Last fall, @ErinStraza & I did a @PersuasionCAPC series to highlight those deep differences & called it #ForGodandCountry.

https://twitter.com/sometimesalight/status/1349008537201094666

Series started w/ an episode w/ @KaitlynSchiess on how political formation & spiritual formation relate.

Underlying Q: What is the purpose of political engagement? To love neighbor or to win for our group?
persuasionpodcast.buzz/2020/09/08/per…

We followed that up w/ a convo w/ @socofthesacred on the phenomenon of Christian Nationalism.

Underlying Q: How should the church & state relate to each other? What role should faith play in political engagement?

persuasionpodcast.buzz/2020/09/15/tak…

Then in episode 3, we settled in to talk about political tribalism and the danger of "us vs. them" mentality.

Underlying Q: How should we relate to those who hold opposing viewpoints? What happens when we tie ourselves to certain politicians & parties?

persuasionpodcast.buzz/2020/09/22/per…

In episode 4, we discuss the call to "just preach the gospel" & @samhaist joins us to talk discipleship irt political engagement.

Underlying Q: What does the gospel demand of Christians in a broken world? Should we detach from public arena? Can we?

persuasionpodcast.buzz/2020/09/29/per…

Next @KathrynAnnette joined us to explore the role of public debate & the risk of voicing political opinions.

Underlying Q: How is silencing used to control debate? What happens when we stop talking to each other & simply talk to likeminded folks?

persuasionpodcast.buzz/2020/10/06/per…

Finally, we wrapped up w/ the dynamics of voting & whether it's possible to "waste your vote." @TheAlanNoble joined us to talk virtue > policy

Underlying Q: Is a vote a mere calculus about policy initiatives? Does our vote incriminate us? Is it moral?

persuasionpodcast.buzz/2020/10/14/per…

Our goal w/ this series was to expose the places of deep disagreement that might otherwise be hidden. For example, if you believe politics is tool to pursue common good, you're probably going to relate to it differently than a person who uses it to protect them & theirs.

IME, these deep divides can be both philosophical & theological. The shifts occurring slowly over time & perhaps completely undetected--both by yourself & those around you.

The differences only become obvious once the presenting symptoms emerge (e.g. vastly different choice of candidate or approach to policy). But if you can trace the differences back to roots, you'll save yourself a lot of agnst & angry debate.

Finally, I'll say this. The changes in my political views over the last 2 decades are deeply linked to my spiritual growth. I do not mean that changing certain views made me more spiritual.

I mean that as I grew in my understanding of deep truths about God, the nature of life, human frailty, neighbor love, the breadth of the gospel, resurrection, & our ultimate hope, it changed me. It changed how I moved thru the world & who I am as a member of a community.

In some ways, it's a lot harder than it used to be. In others, it's liberating. So liberating. But ultimately, my hope for the world does not rest on politics even as I understand politics to be a way to pursue goodness, justice, & love of neighbor.

My righteousness does not rest on a vote or party affiliation. It rests in Christ & the hope that he is actively redeeming this world. And that one day, his shalom will reign & that goodness will overcome evil.

What ever role he calls me to play in political realm, it's as one called to embody his character & love for my neighbors. It's a one whose allegiance is to a better way.