Issue link: http://denverseminary.uberflip.com/i/653157
Election season brings out the worst in American culture. Backstabbing and blackmail. Slander and hearsay. Vicious ads and unproductive political debates. These all abound in the news and on social media, filling our minds and our everyday conversations. Many Americans, sick of the political merry- go-round, avoid the scene altogether. Others throw themselves into the brawl in support of their favorite candidate with absolute zeal. Such personal investment often leads to uncivil and ungracious discourse, which in turn produces cultural divisions and an ever-widening political partisanship. Christians can make an important contribution this political year by saturating our discourse and actions with grace. AN ATTITUDE OF GRACE TEMPERS POLITICAL DISCOURSE Grace is unmerited favor. It is commonly summarized as "getting what you do not deserve." God's grace to us, as supremely demonstrated in the gospel of Jesus, is His lavish generosity motivated by His unfailing love. How can we show this kind of grace in political discourse? Politicians often act in uncouth and foul ways, and many citizens are likewise enticed into speaking and behaving in an unsightly manner to further the case for their favorite candidate. Those who do this probably deserve a stern rebuke, if not worse. Yet Christians can respond to the toxic political environment in numerous ways that exemplify a gracious attitude. We can listen attentively to those with whom we disagree. We can move the conversation from the impersonal Internet to face- to-face discussions over coffee or lunch. We can refuse to slap derogatory nicknames on candidates. Instead, let's pursue respectful interaction with everyone as we live out the Golden Rule. Little efforts like these can go a long way toward improving our political climate as we model virtuous discourse. 20 SPRING 2016 CULTURE Fuse/iStock Making the Case for Grace in Politics A call for Christian civility in discourse, engagement, and perspective during the election season.