I’ve been trying to stay away from the political news these days. We don’t watch TV (it’s hooked up to the VCR and DVD players solely for all the Veggie Tales and Disney movies we loved as children and now share with our daughter), and I stay away from other forms of digital media that are politically-related. Why? Because it’s not healthy for me. Honestly, it’s a scary world out there. From assassination attempts to fear-mongering on both sides of the aisle, there’s plenty of fodder for anxiety over the future. Christ spent his time on earth confronting injustice and offering healing and hope everywhere he went. As a faithful follower of Christ, simply ignoring the political landscape doesn’t feel like the right answer, either. So how do I ground myself in our God of Hope and keep working so that God’s kingdom comes on Earth (all of Earth) as it is in heaven? Here’s what I’ve been thinking about.
A note on the order below: Why is this post starting with #5? Yes, this is the “thing” I composed last, but I think, honestly, this is the most important thing. I’ve been struggling to write this post all week, and I think the process of writing has illustrated why. What I most wish to say, and what I struggle with the most, is this one. If you read nothing else of this post, I hope you read #5.
5. Consider the children
As many wise people have said before: Having a baby changes everything. Though my mini-me is no longer a baby, her presence changes everything. Like so many bright, inquisitive young minds, this is a pivotal (election) season for her. As her awareness of the world outside of our household, congregation and community continues to expand daily, what messages is she receiving? Is she learning about our trust in a loving God, or our trust (or lack thereof) in the electoral process? Is she hearing us (and other significant adults in her life) speaking about the political turmoil with grace and respect for those we agree with as well as for those we don’t? Is she picking up on our anxiety and fear, or living in the freedom from fear found in Christ? How can we balance honoring and processing our own feelings and emotions without burdening the beloved children in our midst? What will be our 2024 election legacy upon those Christ welcomed? May we all consider this carefully.
1. In response to violence
I am deeply troubled by last weekend’s assassination attempt and resulting death, injury and trauma to those in the audience. As an Anabaptist, I reject violence as a possible solution to conflict of any kind. How do I respond to this in love? I am thankful for the statement made by Mennonite Church USA calling for prayer as well as informational resources on ending gun violence.
2. Exploring response to violence in community
Mennonite Central Committee U.S. and RAWtools have produced a 12-week Sunday school curriculum “that will help congregations consider the balance of physical safety with a commitment to nonviolence in the face of active violence.” I am challenged by its title, “Fear Not,” as I, a parent, consider the vast new fears gun violence prompts.
3. Learning about Christian nationalism
There are many great books, YouTube videos and articles on what Christian nationalism is and why it is problematic. The Anabaptist World website has a collection of published articles that explore the concept that can be found here. Taking time to understand the concept, to pray and to discern my own thoughts on the topic is one way I feel called to live faithfully. I recently finished reading The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory: American Evangelicals in an Age of Extremism by Tim Alberta. This book is both illuminating and terrifying. I am thankful for the ways it has helped me understand some of what I’m seeing and hearing.
4. Read a book to stay grounded
In my work at the WDC Resource Library (Western District Conference of Mennonite Church USA), I have the opportunity to explore many wonderful resources from MennoMedia and others that can help us keep our focus on how our congregations can be communities of grace, joy, and peace so that God’s healing and hope can flow through us to the world. These are just some of the resources I’ve collected so that groups (congregations, small groups, Sunday school classes, family groups, etc.) can read, discuss and challenge each other to be more faithful in the months ahead. Here are a few of those titles you can borrow from the library, purchase from MennoMedia or your other favorite book source:
- All our griefs to bear: Responding with resilience after collective trauma – by Jodi S. Sancken
- Collateral damage: Changing the conversation about firearms and faith – by James E. Atwood
- How to have an enemy: Righteous anger and the world of peace – by Melissa Florer-Bixler
- I am not your enemy: Stories to transform a divided world – by Michael T. McCray
- Jesus takes a side: Embracing the political demands of the gospel – by Jonny Rashid
- Peaceful practices: A guide to healthy communication in conflict – by Jes Stoltzful Buller (MCC Publication)
- Stuck together: The hope of Christian witness in a polarized world – by J. Nelson Kraybill
- What is God’s kingdom and what does citizenship look like? – By Cesar Garcia
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