Talking politics

Never talk about religion or politics – that’s the rule of polite conversation, I believe. The advice steers us away from talking about things that might cause controversy because controversy can leave people hurt – and it is an inescapable fact that talking politics can indeed be tricky, explosive at times.

Conversation about policies, parties and particular issues can divide brothers and sisters in Christ, it can break relationships and fuel distrust. But as Christians who care deeply about the people around us, who are committed to praying for our leaders (1 Tim.2 v1-2), and who are passionate about justice and protecting the vulnerable (Micah 6v8), it’s quite tricky not to talk about politics. Indeed, whilst temporal things are nowhere near as important as eternal things, the huge impact that governments have on the big issues of our day means that it’s essential to talk politics at least from time to time.

Maybe the advice shouldn’t be over whether we talk about politics or not, but rather on how we talk about politics. And that is an area where many of us – myself included – have much to learn.

Can we avoid devaluing people?

Each politician and each political activist is made in the image of God. That means they have value and purpose – and whether we consider them a fellow believer (1 John v3), a neighbour (Matt.12) or an enemy (Matt.5), our call is to love them with the counter-cultural love of Christ. All too often we can speak carelessly about politicians, as if they do not matter, as if they can be treated as objects rather than image-bearers, and that is not something that honours the Lord. We may disagree with them, we may disagree deeply, but that is never an excuse to duck the call to love.

Can we avoid a cascade of assumptions?

It’s so easy to assume. It’s far easier to assume than to listen, especially when we feel particularly strongly about a topic. Maybe you’ve had a conversation like this: “You vote for X? So, you must support policy Y then. You must have abandoned your faith and believe Z instead. How could you?” Often such words are spoken with much passion but little consideration. Most of us disagree with at least some of the policies of the parties we vote for so, instead of diving headlong into a long list of assumptions, can we enact James 1v19 and be slow to speak and quick to listen? Can we ask people why they support who they do? We can still disagree, but we can disagree with understanding and exercise nuance and wisdom in our words. The God who is slow to anger, who embodies wisdom rather than folly in speech, asks the same of us.

Can we avoid imagining there is a fix to this world?

It is right and proper that we seek justice for the oppressed, support for the vulnerable, freedom for the persecuted, and so much more. But no policy, politician or party will ever be able to bring complete justice, support and freedom. We can seek to love others well – encourage our governments to be wise – but our hope never lies in the ballot box. If we are really passionate about our world, we will pray and we will scour Scripture and we will wait eagerly for Jesus to return. It is in Him and His redeeming work that our hope ultimately lies.

Can we love, listen and trust?

Instead, can we fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith (Heb.12)? Can we adopt a posture of humility that consistently wants to serve not be served by those around (Phil.2)? Can we seek first Christ’s Kingdom (Matt.6)? And sink to our knees in prayer for our politicians before ever we open our mouths (1 Tim.v2)? Can we tame our tongue, even when political feelings are running high (James 3)? And can we love so deeply that even the person at the other end of the political spectrum from us, can see our faith shining through?