Lower the Temperature

In the aftermath of the assassination attempt on former President Trump’s life, many voices in the political arena have called for both sides to tone down the virotic rhetoric.

In fact, President Biden himself has spoken three times in this regard, including a rare Oval Office address to the American public on Sunday night.  He began his six minute address with these words.

“My fellow Americans, I want to speak to you tonight about the need for us to lower the temperature in our politics and to remember, while we may disagree, we are not enemies. We’re neighbors. We’re friends, co-workers, citizens, and, most importantly, we are fellow Americans.”

In a column that will run today called  “Cool It,” Conservative Columnist, Cal Thomas wrote that President Biden’s words remind us of the famous speech by Abraham Lincoln in the heat of the Civil War, in which he offered this appeal.

“We are not enemies, but friends. We must not be enemies. Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection. The mystic chords of memory will swell when again touched, as surely they will be, by the better angels of our nature.”  

Thomas opined that this sentiment,” can be a healing balm if only politicians, the media and activists who have promoted heated rhetoric and division would embrace them. It’s going to take leadership from both parties for it to happen.”

Unfortunately, I’m not very optimistic that will happen in the heated, passionate political culture in which we live.  Both sides too often resort to ad hominem attacks and name calling instead of staying focused on the issues that identify opposing views and honestly reflect the candidate’s position.

However, there are two people who can “lower the temperature,” manifest civility, and refrain from cutting, cruel and crass remarks about those with whom we disagree.  That’s me.   And it’s you.

Sadly, however, I have seen social media posts that are harsh and insensitive.  Some with wild speculations and conspiracy theories about the shooter and/or those behind the assassination attempt.  Others with memes that have no basis in the facts as we now know them.  Even more disappointing is when these types of posts are coming from Christians.  If you are posting such  accusations on facebook, stop and think.  What if someone  who knew you and were your facebook friend, came to visit the church where you worship.  What would they think?  How would they feel?  What conclusions would they draw about your religion?  Are the political opinions, to which we have a right, worth tarnishing our Christian witness?

Those of us who wear the name of Christ, ought to be “salt of the earth” and “the light of the world” in our attitudes, actions, and speech.  Political opinions should not divide us. Nor should they foster a spirit that hurls insults and unkind epithets toward anyone, let along our brothers and sisters in Christ.   In this regard the apostle Paul offers these Biblical exhortations.

“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear” (Eph. 4:29).

“Conduct yourselves wisely toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person” (Col.4:5-6).

“If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men” (Rom. 12:18).

“Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another” (Rom. 14:19).

In a recent blog post, a Kentucky preacher, Bob Russell observed that “most political and ideological rhetoric being spewed from both sides has lacked decorum and has only served to escalate tensions.” Bob then offers this admonition.  “In these volatile times, when many lose their composure, Christians must not lose theirs. Instead, we should model behavior that communicates our ultimate hope lies in Jesus Christ.”

Th wise man wrote, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue” (Prov. 18:21).  This may be true not only physically, but spiritually as well.

Brethren and friends, think on these things.

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman