There are times when it is prudent and wise to say things like, “Yes, I agree with you, but I can also see the other side’s points as well—and I think I could go either way here.” Or “Both sides make compelling arguments and I think we need to be careful before we come down on one side or the other.”
There are certainly moments when we should sit back, consider all opposing views, and with reflection, counsel, research, fairness/objectivity, and hopefully some wisdom offer the best judgment/opinion we can, while trying to stay above the fray.
In fact, this is what we do most times (I hope) as to all the mundane or even somewhat significant conversations and disputes/disagreements that wander onto our radar or become present to us in our circle of influence. Most of us do not want to be seen as a raving lunatic who shouts down everyone and is so pure and sure in their opinions, they can’t hear a word the other person is saying.
And in most moments, the outcome as to a lot of these disagreements are mostly immaterial. They will not significantly impact our lives, regardless of which way they pan out, one way or the other. In most of these moments, it’s easy to sit back like a judge, like some sort of demi-god, purely, objectively, above all these poor peasants coming before us, with our blind and pure-as-the driven-snow sense of justice and throw out our easy solutions and opinions.
THIS IS NOT ONE OF THOSE MOMENTS
Read that again. This.Is.Not.One.Of.Those.Moments. Full Stop.
In the Gospel of Mark, the writer notes almost as a warning: “Let the reader understand.” Do you? Because this is not a drill. This is not a false alarm.
I write concerning the danger of Christian nationalism and the takeover of a significant segment of evangelicalism by a radical, modern, right-wing political ideology, which is leading to a type of Christian-fascism. It should be evident that when one is using the word “Christian” with the words “nationalism” and “fascism” that something has gone horribly wrong (see here for more on this problem).
These evangelicals (who I suspect are really fundamentalists at heart) want a theocracy. They no longer believe in democracy if things don’t go their way. They no longer believe in the separation of powers; they are comfortable with a single authoritarian leader. They believe Christians should receive preferential treatment. They believe all sorts of conspiracy theories, whether pandemic related or as to a purported “stolen” election. In other words, they believe a lot of ridiculous nonsense. And they are hell bent on trying to make their conspiracy-riddled, alternative, ugly, universe into a reality for the rest of us.
Here is to whom I write: The still sane evangelical pastor/leader/teacher/influencer out there who gets all this, is concerned, but is trying as hard as they can to keep their heads down and counsel moderation or a sort of “both-sides-ism.” Or they remain silent or dodge anything related to these concerns. I don’t know if they actually think they are demonstrating wisdom or they are just afraid. I hope it’s just fear because that can be overcome. If they think it’s wisdom then they’ve proved the opposite and that’s a bigger problem. It is not wise—to say the least.
Dear friend: You will not escape this. This is one of those moments in history where the events are so large, so sweeping, that one will be caught up in them one way or the other. One then may as well do the right thing, the ethical thing, the biblical thing and take a side—choose a path. You are going to have people upset with you either way. It may as well be for the right reasons.
The upcoming mid-term elections are critical. So much hangs in the balance. For Christians (the non-nationalistic/theocratic/fundamentalist type anyway) we do not put our trust in princes, politicians, country, political ideology, or empire. In fact, a true Christian witness is the subversion of empire. However, that doesn’t mean we don’t participate and try to do what is best for our neighbor and the common good in general. That is actually the basis of a healthy patriotism. The people of God, even in exile, even in a hostile culture, were told to seek the welfare of their community (Jer. 29:7) and to live as good citizens.
Thus, we need to vote for the common good. And right now, that means voting against every “MAGA” election-denying candidate. It means getting involved and getting others involved. It means praying, it means teaching, it means having some hard conversations with those who have fallen into this current madness. It means being a good neighbor.
Enough with the “both-sides-ism.” Enough with the “what-about-ism.” Enough with the trying to stay above the fray or to dodge it all together. It doesn’t make you look wise or objective, not in moments like these. Enough with the “Both parties are the same” or the “I’m not political” excuses that reek of ignorance and privilege. Enough.
Have some self-respect for God’s sake and some mettle. All the above deflections insult our intelligence, and they should insult yours too. Choose. And let me add this: One doesn’t need to be disrespectful, unkind, or loud and obnoxious to do the right thing here. Leave that to the “MAGA” people and the “Christian” nationalists. Still, stand up and be counted.
There is a story (I don’t if it’s true or not, but the sentiment is powerful) about one of the tombstones in the British section of a cemetery on the shores of France. The cemetery was set aside for those who fell during the D-Day invasion of Europe (the largest Antifa movement in history) to liberate those countries from the Nazis. The tombstone reads: “The king called: he answered. The King of kings called: he answered.”
He answered both calls, one to his neighbor, his community and the other to his God. We will all answer that last call. What will we do with the first though?
Evangelical pastor/leader/teacher/influencer: Answer the call.
Check out my new book.
I have a Patreon Page—please consider supporting my writing.
Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In