Politics in America is ailing. On either side of the political aisle, the business of United States politics is conducted in an exceedingly unhealthy and unproductive way. Instead of “the art of the possible,” as it’s commonly understood, politics today is more akin to the art of war. And many of us have accepted this as normal. As Christians, this should strike us as profoundly abnormal.
From immoral policy positions gaining traction among our fellow citizens, to the abysmal standards of character among our leaders, to the tone and tenor of our public dialogue, Christians must refuse to accept today’s political environment as satisfactory. We cannot match the fractious, divisive air of our political moment by behaving in kind. Instead, we should engage in the public square in a way that honors Jesus, with courage and civility.
Why civility and courage?
Civility: “Civility” comes from the Latin word civilis, which means “relating to public life, befitting a citizen.” It consists of behaving with courtesy, politeness, and respect. Practically, civility involves:
- treating people with decency, even in our disagreements, recognizing that all people are made in God’s image (Gen. 1:27);
- refusing to demonize those with opposing viewpoints;
- and showing honor to whom honor is due (Rom. 13).
Civility is atypical in modern American politics, but it’s as important as it’s ever been.
Courage: Any dictionary will tell you that courage is having the capacity to face difficulty, danger, pain, or other trying circumstances, despite the trepidation those circumstances create in us. American politics today is racked with difficulties of all kinds.
Engaging in the process will require courage—the courage to tell the truth and to act according to your convictions regardless of the blowback.
In this 2024 election season, the ERLC has many resources to help you navigate what promises to be a challenging few months and to help you bring hope to the public square. Whatever your level of political involvement, make it your ambition to represent Christ well during this election season and beyond, and to do so with courage and conviction.
Not sure where to start? Download our free resource, “The Nations Belong to God: A Christian Guide to Political Engagement.“
