Snippet: Civility and the "Religionization" of Politics

Snip·pet | ˈsnipit | noun a small piece or brief extract.

This one is by Alexandra Hudson in Christianity Today magazine (“It’s Time for a New Era of Christians Civility”).

“The ‘religionization’ of politics has led many believers to elevate political stances to the level of doctrinal orthodoxy—such that they become litmus tests for Christian identity. This, in turn, has led to us publicly question the faith of those who have differing views from us and to reduce complex individuals to political caricatures.”

And here’s another thoughtful snippet from the same article.

“Humility leads us to another vital ingredient of Christian civility: curiosity. Today, political disagreements often become moral indictments. In our conversations with people we disagree with, we subconsciously think, Because you support this presidential candidate or hold this view on this issue, I know everything about you.”

Hudson concludes the article with a quote from the Message rendition of Romans 14:1.

Welcome with open arms fellow believers who don’t see things the way you do. And don’t jump all over them every time they do or say something you don’t agree with—even when it seems that they are strong on opinions but weak in the faith department. Remember, they have their own history to deal with. Treat them gently.

Photo by Yaren Kılıç on Unsplash