poloticsoffriendship

The Politics of Friendship -morgan young

I feel the urge to wax on about political discussions purely in the context of friends, family and Christ followers. I've seen and heard much in actual conversations, web sites and of course the media, since the election that never ends. And as a result, I question the need to talk about the "P-word" with those whom we know don't share our particular views.

What troubles me is these things seem to start funny and light, and are actually amusing; but then just after enough talk transpires to realize "we've gone too far" in the P-talk, there comes an awkward realization that this other person really believes in the values and character of his or her candidate.

And then, the uncomfortable-ness seeps in. On some level, we think a little less of that person---we question a little bit of their character; which to me, puts us where we should not be. Instead of enjoying this friend or family member, we're wondering how in the world with all the "facts" available, they could think highly of___________..

I have to admit, I've been on both sides of this. I've hung huge question marks in my cerebellum about friends & families' political endorsements. And I've seen a friend's look that has been laced with sober questions of, "How can a man of God really believe in candidate so-in-so?"

I guess what I'm saying is, first of all, I'm guilty of what I'm writing about. So, I'm sorry for my shades of judgementalism. And I guess the other thing I suggest, is to do as the politicians do and "preach to the choir" with our political views.

I found it more enjoyable to vent with a friend yesterday that shared my political worldview, than any opposing conversation I've had of late. And let's understand one thing: We aren't likely to pry anyone from their political teddy bears with our strong opinions, no matter how many "facts" or "moral atrocities" we offer.

There seems to be a conversational line that separates political banter, which we all find amusing, and serious political convictions that can be divisive; and we usually don't know where the line is until we've crossed it. Why not spend time and energy on things more constructive than agreeing to disagree. Face it, trying to tell someone how incorrect their politics is, is on par with trying to tell someone why their favorite baseball team shouldn't be their favorite baseball team. It's just bad ju-ju.

One more...for the record, I don't believe that liberal, conservative or moderate politics are inherently right (no pun intended) or wrong; so please, let's not entertain the 100% hypothetical scenario that J.C. would endorse any political candidate. Let's be more about His business than the business of politics.

Let's just be friends and families lest we become as partisan as the people in a system most of us would admit needs serious help.

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		The Politics of Friendship -morgan young I feel the urge to wax on about political discussions purely in the context of friends, family and Christ followers. I've seen and heard much in actual conversations, web sites and of course the media, since the election that never ends. And as a result, I question the need to talk about the "P-word" with those whom we know don't share our particular views. What troubles me is these things seem to start funny and light, and are actually amusing; but then just after enough talk transpires to realize "we've gone too far" in the P-talk, there comes an awkward realization that this other person really believes in the values and character of his or her candidate. And then, the uncomfortable-ness seeps in. On some level, we think a little less of that person---we question a little bit of their character; which to me, puts us where we should not be. Instead of enjoying this friend or family member, we're wondering how in the world with all the "facts" available, they could think highly of___________.. I have to admit, I've been on both sides of this. I've hung huge question marks in my cerebellum about friends & families' political endorsements. And I've seen a friend's look that has been laced with sober questions of, "How can a man of God really believe in candidate so-in-so?" I guess what I'm saying is, first of all, I'm guilty of what I'm writing about. So, I'm sorry for my shades of judgementalism. And I guess the other thing I suggest, is to do as the politicians do and "preach to the choir" with our political views. I found it more enjoyable to vent with a friend yesterday that shared my political worldview, than any opposing conversation I've had of late. And let's understand one thing: We aren't likely to pry anyone from their political teddy bears with our strong opinions, no matter how many "facts" or "moral atrocities" we offer. There seems to be a conversational line that separates political banter, which we all find amusing, and serious political convictions that can be divisive; and we usually don't know where the line is until we've crossed it. Why not spend time and energy on things more constructive than agreeing to disagree. Face it, trying to tell someone how incorrect their politics is, is on par with trying to tell someone why their favorite baseball team shouldn't be their favorite baseball team. It's just bad ju-ju. One more...for the record, I don't believe that liberal, conservative or moderate politics are inherently right (no pun intended) or wrong; so please, let's not entertain the 100% hypothetical scenario that J.C. would endorse any political candidate. Let's be more about His business than the business of politics. Let's just be friends and families lest we become as partisan as the people in a system most of us would admit needs serious help. <<BACK