SojoMail - Apolitical? Hyper-partisan? There’s a better way

Christians Can Be Political Without Pledging Allegiance to Partisanship Elections typically revolve around the “what” of politics: the competing ideologies, policy differences, and visions for the future, writes Adam Russell Taylor in this week’s SojoMail. But he says lately, our politics has increasingly become dominated by the “who” of politics, including the personalities of our candidates: I fear that for many, politics has become another form of entertainment. These virtues are not the norm in our body politic. And while it’s easy to blame politicians, we must first remove the speck from our own eyes. The “how” of politics — engaging in ways that uplift civility, truthfulness, empathy, and integrity — still matters, particularly in a time in which our democratic norms and systems are being challenged. Last year, Sojourners convened a diverse group of Christian leaders to reflect together on the growing crisis of polarization and the danger of anti-democratic forces within our politics. The group committed to work together to identify ways we could model and inspire a healthier version of Christian civic engagement. We lamented that many congregations and denominations have become increasingly segregated along ideological and cultural lines and that many people are finding meaning, belonging, and community in partisan politics rather than in a faith community. We talked about how too many churches in the U.S. find themselves at one of two extremes: apolitical or hyper-partisan. Churches either avoid all discussion or engagement with politics in an effort to be apolitical or become overly politicized and faith takes a backseat to political identity. And we shared our alarm about how Christian nationalism — a distortion of Christianity and patriotism — threatens both the witness of the church and the future of the U.S. as a more inclusive and just multiracial democracy. But as we discussed the importance of countering the toxic influence of Christian nationalism on the Religious Right, several leaders warned against a similar tendency among religious folks on the Left who risk appearing as chaplains to Democrats. What would it look like for Christians of all stripes to truly serve as salt and light in our politics and civic life? READ THE FULL ARTICLE Forward Share

ADVERTISEMENT

Our Latest How Immigration Became a Top Issue for Voters 1,500 Miles from the Mexico Border (by Ken Chitwood) With a history of faith-based hospitality, Wisconsin grapples with how — or whether — to embrace newcomers. Wonder Woman Vs. ‘Biblical’ Womanhood (by JR. Forasteros) In Wonder Woman #8, our heroine faces one of her scariest villains to date: complementarian theology. An Israeli Lawmaker Tells U.S.: ‘Send Us Means of Peace, Not of War’ (by Rose Marie Berger) Ofer Cassif, a member of Israel's parliament, speaks out on the Oct. 7 Hamas attack and Israel’s response. In Churches I Learned Patriarchy; In Prison I Became a Feminist (by Darrell Jackson) With a feminist framework, I can see that my socialization into gender roles started early.

ADVERTISEMENT

From the Magazine Called To Be Nature’s Good Neighbors (by Raj Nadella) May reflections on scripture from the Common Revised Lectionary (Cycle B).

ADVERTISEMENTS

Experience Oglala Lakota culture at Red Shirt Table Join Faith and Money Network on a Trip of Perspective to Red Shirt Table in South Dakota. Together, we will spend a week experiencing the sacred sites and culture of the Oglala Lakota people. You will return home with a changed heart and a fresh perspective on solidarity. Take your next most faithful step in Executive Leadership FTE offers Theological Executive, a 4-week course for individuals exploring an executive role at a Theological Institution. You will work with education executives and participate in a cohort while discovering your next most faithful step. Help us shape the next generation of wise leaders for the church, academy, and society. Join us for 'Sacred Resistance'–a new Instagram Live series! Today SojoAction launched “Sacred Resistance: Igniting Faith-Based Activists,” a biweekly Instagram Live series diving into spiritual wisdom & practical tools to empower your faith-based advocacy. Follow @SojoAction on Instagram to watch today’s recording and catch the next Live on May 30 at 11am ET!

DONATE   SUBSCRIBE

Copyright © 2024 Sojourners, All rights reserved. Sojourners | 408 C St. NE | Washington, DC 20002 Email: sojourners@sojo.net | Tel.: 202.328.8842