How To Talk Politics Like A Sage (Spoiler Alert: There's No Magic Formula)

I don’t like politics. I want to stick my head in the sand, or at least under my pillow, and avoid anything at all related to politics.

And, yet…

God calls us, as exiles waiting for our true home, to live well in this country where we find ourselves (Jeremiah 29:7). I know part of that involves praying for the leadership of our country. (1 Timothy 2:1-4). And these days, I believe it also means wrestling long and hard with how to be a Christ-follower in this politically charged climate of ours (Romans 13: 1-6).  

Many months ago I had a political conversation that still gives me pause. This friend, not a Christ-follower, knows that I call myself a Christian. One afternoon she broached the topic of politics, and I sensed her trepidation. She seemed to brace herself for my inevitable, strong opinions about who is right and who is wrong.

Instead, I responded with, “I’m so sad about the way Christians have reacted in this political climate.”

We went on to talk at length about the Jesus she had heard about and the Jesus I love dearly. And she steered me toward some thoughtful resources that cover both sides of the political spectrum.

What a good conversation!

I came away resolved to think and pray about politics and to maintain my posture of lament for the hurt we Christians have caused in this charged political arena.

I also came away from that conversation resolved to learn about both sides of issues. My friend suggested a newsletter that I have come to really appreciate: Tangle. The founder, Isaac Saul, is a veteran political reporter. Each newsletter discusses one issue and includes summary paragraphs and links to articles from both sides. His subheads include: From the Left; From the Right; My Take. (I read the free version, by the way.) I’ve discovered that by reading about politics, instead of watching them, I give myself time to ponder and pray as I read. And I can read in chunks and avoid the overwhelm of the constant breaking news cycle or social media algorithm that just feeds me more of my own opinion.

As much as I don’t want to do it, I will keep reading and talking about politics in this election year.  And pray with fervor that God gives me wisdom and humility in the process.

We’d love to hear from you, Sages. What habits, conversations, Scriptures, and resources have you discovered that has helped you navigate our polarized political climate? Have you experienced frayed or broken relationships as a result of political differences? There are no magic formulas, but God’s wisdom can help us ask the right questions–of ourselves, and in our families, churches, and communities. Sage Forum contributor Judy Allen has some further thoughts about how we can grow in this area of our lives in the article below. This issue includes some media picks and more. Please scroll down for more.

Seeking first God’s kingdom,

Afton Rorvik for the Sage Forum team

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Political Peacemakers

by Judy Allen

Politics is a non-discussable topic in polite conversation. Understandable. We have all had or heard of casual conversations that have erupted into arguments over politics and have done serious damage to relationships with family or friends.

However, treating politics as non-discussable leaves us further ensconced in like-minded silos when a healthy discussion would improve understanding and adjust or affirm our position.

Is it possible to be a peacemaker in political conversations? I believe it is, but it depends on the goals you have for the discussion.

Goals for Political Conversation

Political conversations can arise when you least expect them, leaving you unprepared and reacting thoughtlessly. It’s helpful to decide on your goals ahead of time and remind yourself of them in the moment.

My goal is to listen and learn, understand the individual’s perspective, refrain from judgment, and keep the temperature from boiling over into a super-heated dispute. I don’t like conflict.

That is easier said than done. Some will insist on trying to convince you that they’re right, and they’re sure they’re right. Others will get defensive and argue if they feel threatened. All we can do is make sure that we’re approaching the interaction prayerfully, with a desire to honor God and the other individual, and with a goal of listening and learning rather than convincing and winning.

Jesus is our model, for he conversed perfectly even when asked gotcha questions. Perhaps the most famous episode was when Jesus was asked whether it was right to pay taxes to Caesar. The goal of the question was to back Jesus into a corner, but he answered a deeper question. Jesus responded, “Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.” (Mark 12:17) His answer reminded his audience that Caesar’s image on the coin indicated his authority to gather taxes, but that God’s image in us signifies his power and authority over everything about us.[i] They were amazed.

If we approach every potentially combustible conversation with the goal of learning, asking appropriate questions, and getting to the root issue, perhaps we can turn the conversation from an argument to a thought-provoking discussion.

Jesus knew that the question wasn’t about paying taxes. Similarly, political arguments are usually masking something deeper.

Power

Politics is the ‘art or science concerned with winning and holding control over a government.’ Governments exists to protect a nation and to promote justice among its people, and those who hold control of the government have power. Politics is about power.

Christians may feel like they are losing power, but remember that Jesus, the Son of God, creator of the universe, had power over every speck of the earth, and he voluntarily gave it up. He had zero political or religious power; his power was of a greater source. In fact, his ministry proved the limits of human power and the superiority of God’s power.

The multiple issues facing this country are unlikely to be solved by our fractured government. Rather than arguing about political solutions, our energy would be better spent serving in our communities or churches to care for the hungry, homeless, and disadvantaged.

If we depend on God’s unlimited power, trust that he knows what he’s doing, pray for peace, wisdom, for our leaders and for voters, and get involved as we are led, we can rest in his peace.

Fear

When people feel they’re losing power and that those who have power are not righteous or dependable, they become fearful, and fear is antithetical to faith. A good question to ask ourselves is, What are we afraid of politically? That the wrong party will gain power? That the country is going in the wrong direction? That our party will lose?

Maybe, but there is little specific evidence that these results would be disastrous enough to cause us to turn from faith to fear. Once again, we need to trust the power of God.

My husband and I recently had a polite political discussion with our son and his wife whose politics are different from ours. We have a good relationship with them, didn’t try to change their minds, they didn’t attempt to change ours, and it was an interesting and helpful conversation. Once in a while, it works.

It is possible to promote peace in political conversations, but it takes honest examination of goals, being willing to listen and learn rather than convince and win, resisting fear, trusting God, and above all, prayer for humility and wisdom.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Matthew 5:9

What have you found helpful when discussing politics?

Additional Resources On The Topic

Note: You may not agree with the perspectives in some of these suggestions. But each offers some sage food for thought.

When Families Disagree About Politics

Trinity Forum video conversation with Tim Alberta, the author of The Kingdom, The Power, and The Glory.

Two authors writing at the intersection of faith and politics have recent books worth reading and discussing: The Ballot and the Bible: How Scripture has been Used and Abused in American Politics and Where We Go from Here by Kaitlyn Schiess and The Spirit of Our Politics: Spiritual Formation and the Renovation of Public Life by Michael R. Wear.

The Sunset of Life Being Destroyed by Politics

Christians and Politics: 5 Principles for Christian Interaction With The Political World

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April Media Picks From The Sage Forum Team

[BOOK] Land of My Sojourn: The Landscape of a Faith Lost and Found by Mike Cosper. Cosper weaves together his story of a painful church experience with geography of the Holy Land, the apostle Peter’s somewhat lurching steps toward Christ, and the prophet Elijah, from 1 Kings 19. Like a true story-teller, he takes his time laying out the narrative. The book is painful and redemptive. I'm grateful that he presents another option to leaving the church and deconstructing one's faith in the midst of deep disappointment. (DG) P.S. from MV: This book also maps the geography of the faith recalibration that happens often at midlife. If you’ve been through a church implosion or disappointment, you’ll probably find Cosper’s story sadly familiar.

[VIDEO–Netflix] The Greatest Night in Pop. Remember the 1985 song, “We Are The World”? It was crafted to raise funds for famine relief in Africa, and featured an all-star cast of musicians ranging from Bob Dylan to Michael Jackson to Cindy Lauper. While I am not sure it was actually the greatest night in pop music, it was entertaining to revisit the music and artists of that era in this documentary. (MV)

[BOOK] This Time Together: Laughter and Reflection by Carol Burnett. I have memories of cracking up over Burnett’s variety show, and this memoir made me chuckle quite a few times as she told stories of her show business career. It’s not all humor, though, as she shares the highs and the lows of her life. (JA)

[BOOK] Dawn Fanshawe, Lost Down Memory Lane–Caring for Alzheimer’s: A Personal Journey by Dawn Fanshawe. What does it mean to be a Christian caregiver under difficult circumstances? UK author Dawn Fanshawe shows us. She lovingly cares for her mother—who did not protect her from her father’s violence, who disowned her at age seventeen, and who has dementia. (CD)

[VIDEO-Amazon Prime] Fiddler On The Roof. Many of us grew up with this 1971 musical, or have seen a stage production of the story of Tevye the milkman as his three oldest daughters leave the nest. If you haven’t seen it for a while, maybe this is the month for a fresh viewing. The themes of this classic are evergreen, and I guarantee it’ll hit differently for those of us who’ve launched our own children into adulthood. (MV)

[BOOK] Between You and Us by Kendra Broekhuis. This is a thought-provoking novel about a woman who finds herself suddenly living in an alternate universe. What would the impact have been if we had decided differently? (JA)

What are you reading, watching, or listening to this month?

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More Than A Newsletter…

Planning a retreat and looking for a speaker/facilitator? Hosting a podcast and looking for a thoughtful guest? In search of a good book to read or share with a group of friends this summer? Dreaming of creating meaningful ministry in your local context to, by, and for women in the second half of life?

The Sage Forum contributors include a mix of mature, faith-filled voices with diverse life and church backgrounds. How might one or more of us serve you?

(From left to right)

Judy Allen is a veteran Bible teacher, and writes about vocation and retirement in her excellent free newsletter, Reimagining Retirement.

Rachel Campbell is a recent seminary grad living in the UK, who writes and speaks about caregiving, women’s role and experience in the church, and more.

Carole Duff is a retired educator whose powerful memoir, Wisdom Builds Her House, releases later this year. Connect with her here.

Sharla Fritz has authored numerous Bible studies and is a seasoned, gracious retreat speaker. Find out more about her here.

Dorothy Greco is a thoughtful speaker, professional photographer, author of two excellent books on marriage, and currently writing another about the subject of mysogyny. Subscribe to her newsletter here.

Afton Rorvik has focused on friendships (with a particular focus on introverts) in her writing. Learn more about her book on the topic here.

Michelle Van Loon is a seasoned retreat speaker, Bible study leader, and has written 7 books including Becoming Sage, about spiritual formation in the second half of life. Her website can be found here.

And we’re open to fresh voices, particularly for our mid-month “Extra!” short devotionals. Want to write for us? Click here to ask us for writer’s guidelines.

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Next month’s theme: Caring for our aging bodies

Photos by Llyfrgell Genedlaethol Cymru / The National Library of Wales, Joseph Corl, Shane Rounce on Unsplash