How to Be a Good Neighbor in a Polarized Country
Philippians 2:2 tells us, “Be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.” But when we read those words in our current social context, a flood of questions follows:
How can we move beyond the divisiveness and polarization rampant in our society? How can I even begin to converse with neighbors, friends and family members who see things so differently from my convictions? In a world shaped by 24-hour cable news, social media and misinformation spread online, how can we cut through the noise and speak to each other with civility, compassion and understanding?
In Philippians the apostle Paul goes on to encourage Jesus’ followers to be Christlike in their mutual respect and regard, especially when engaged in conflict over contentious issues. But being Christlike doesn’t mean avoiding conflict. Jesus frequently disagreed with the Pharisees and others whose words and actions hindered people from embracing God’s love and grace.
Avoiding divisive issues might seem like an act of Christian unity, yet faithfulness to the gospel requires us to leave our comfort zones and engage with people who hold different convictions. Setting ground rules for discussion may help ensure that there will be safe space for all viewpoints to be spoken and heard.
Authentic and respectful engagement with others is key, with discussion centered on understanding rather than trying to convert. Such engagement discourages people from demonizing those with whom they may disagree.
Seeing each other as children of God can help make these conversations not only possible but successful.
Churches may be uniquely positioned to help people find common ground in a polarized era. Congregations using creative ways to engage in important topics with a solution-oriented, grace-filled approach can foster sustainable relationships. And shared faith can be used to bridge the cultural chasm.
The universal welcome — welcoming everyone with the eyes, the heart, the arms of Jesus — is a principle I think all churches embrace. So when you start thinking about the human beings you consider the enemy, you have to realize that you’ve made a line across which those [people] must be less than human, that they’re outside the circle of the grace of God. What does that mean that we’re doing that, and can we come up against that wall and say, “OK, that’s a warning sign”?
Something is wrong with the way we are seeing human society, and we’ve got to draw that circle bigger. We’ve got to remember those are human beings, too, and try to change our vision of them. We have got to change our vision of who is human and what it means to be human together.
—Cameron Swallow, ELCA member and leader of depolarization workshops
Sources: Living Lutheran articles by Michael Cooper-White, Megan Brandsrud and Robert Blezard
