What's The Deal? Christians and Politics and Allowing Others to Have a Different Viewpoint
Posted: Monday, October 27, 2008
by Dave Dozier
Not long ago I sat down to play cards with three friends of mine. The game we decided to play was spades, a game that I have played for decades. I have fond memories of playing spades on long summer afternoons with my high school friends. In fact, I consider myself something of a spades aficionado, having played if for over thirty years.
My three friends were also raised playing spades. These friends are Black, and I am a White man. I soon found out that this difference made quite a large distinction in how the game of spades is played. Without going into too much detail, let me say that the game that my friends call spades, and the game that I call spades, are worlds apart. For instance, they have always used the jokers in this game. Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought that you would use jokers in spades, unless you were replacing a card that was lost from the deck. “You guys are kidding, right? I asked. They looked at me like I was crazy, I am accustomed to having the option to bid “nil”, which is a way to catch up if you are successful, after falling far behind in the game. My three friends had never heard of such a term. In fact, I believe that they thought that I was pulling their legs, just as I thought that they were pulling mine. There were other important differences between the way that they played spades and I played spades, but I will not bore you with the details here.
Of course, it is not just card games that set us apart. Blacks and Whites (as well as Hispanics, Asians, and other groups) who share a common faith in Christ see the world very differently. Get into an interracial discussion about politics and you will likely find the two groups talking about the same issues but with very different rules. How can groups live so close to each other for so long and have such different perspectives? More importantly, how can these cultures have honest, meaningful dialog about subjects that are important to our common welfare?
With the political season at its height, tempers are flaring and divisions are becoming even wider. We are living in a nation divided. Christians in America are no different, and that is a terrible shame. Martin Luther King said, in 1963, that “the church is still the most segregated major institution in America”. This has not changed in 45 years. How can we, the people of Christ, find a way to better dialog and work together? How can I, as a Christian and as an American, better work toward unity with people who often think so differently that I do?
A few suggestions:
First, as a Christian, I have to take on the mind of Christ, who actually lowered himself to become a human being. If He can do that, I should be able to be courteous to people who play spades or vote differently than I do.
Secondly, I have to work on distinguishing between negotiable and non-negotiable issues. What am I absolutely willing to “go to the mat” over, and what are strong but negotiable beliefs? For me, the Apostle’s Creed pretty much covers the non-negotiables for life in general.
Third, I need to recognize that we all have presuppositions that we hold to dearly, but are unaware of. Sort of like going “nil” in spades. Some of my presuppositions might just be White middle-class sensibilities that were passed down from generation to generation and ingrained in my psyche from an early age to the point that I can’t imagine things being any other way. That is how my friends viewed using jokers in spades. It takes time, humility, and patience to dialog with people who see things very differently than I do. But it is worth it.
Finally, I need to remember that God really is in control, and work on lowering my blood pressure. Politicians come and go. God remains the same. Christ’s Kingdom did just fine for over 1600 years before the United States came along. His Kingdom is expanding at incredible speed in countries like China, Vietnam, and Cuba. I would rather live here than anywhere else in the world, and I love my country. But the fate of the free world, or the USA, for that matter, does not rest in the hands of my political party or candidate.
My party may not win on Election Day. Than again, maybe it will. Either way, it won’t be the first or last time. And God will still be in control.
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Top-level comments on this article: (10 total)Very good, Dave. It all comes down to one sentence..."politicians come and go. God remains the same". Now matter who wins the election, faith and prayer will be our remaining constants.Keep the Faith and Welcome to SearchWarp.SandraThanks, Sandra. Yep, faith and prayer will be our remaining constants.Blessings,Dave
Dave, a warm welcome and warmer thank you! It's as if you have been eavesdropping on my conversations. I have a few by-the-ways for you: I never used the jokers in spades nor knew you could bid nil until playing online; my church membership, over 10,000 is completely integrated with blacks, whites, Hispanics, Asians, Indians etc. and finally, embracing diversity and differences as you have is what makes the world go round. Love is at the core of it and not something as superficial as the color of one's skin. We know God is Love.
I would hug you if I could!! {{{Dave}}} There, just did! May God bless you for walking in His Light and spreading it to others, especially those living in darkness.
Warmest regards,
AvisWow! I felt that hug all the way down in Texas!If you are ever down here, let's get together for a game of spades and chat.Blessings,Dave
From one Dave to another, I've spent time on a psychiatric ward trying to make the pieces fit. But I find you can't please everyone or see eye to eye with everyone. So we have to conform somewhat to the system. "good article"David,Who was it that sang "you can't please everyone, so you've got to please yourself?There is a grain of truth in that. Keep working on the pieces.DaveRicky Nelson sang that song, I believe in 1972
Dave,Well said. Tolerance is in low supply these days. Or was it ever in high supply? Probably not. Anyway, yes, we often function, as I've heard, on second hand assumptions--that which has been passed onto us by previous generations that we use as our "values" for our "opinions" with little awareness of the fact.I see this ignorance on the roadways, in the political world, on chat rooms, and in the class room. A friend of mine was putting up a sign for Prop 8 and some in opposition drove by yelling and cussing without provocation. In sport chat rooms, I've seen angry people jump on those who they disagree with like they want to kill them. Same on the roadways and elsewhere.John Adams said over 200 years ago, "Democracy is about consideration and compromise, yet I see few people doing either." Nothing has changed for people are still people. And even though prejudice is not as accepted as it was 30 years ago or so, it's still alive and well, just not a visible. I've heard hundreds of stories first-hand from students in my classes of the prejudice they're experienced today. My wife, who is Latino, sees it too often. And my African, Middle Eastern, Asian friends suffer the same.But how ignorant, stupid, and limiting is it for people to believe that with the great variety that we have in cultures, colors, creeds, religions ad infinitum, that there wouldn't be differences. Hell, we should expect it and because of its reality applaud and encourage it in all its forms to create the beauty, merit, and elegance that is known as the human race. A thing of beauty, diversity, and wonder if allowed to life freely, which is what our Constitution is all about. Yes? God bless.Letting the days go by, water flowing underground...same as it ever was, same as it ever was...I love your Adams quote. Yes, I think the Constitution was all about personal freedom (with the presupposition of personal responsability as well.Thanks for your thoughtful comments.DaveDave,I am getting to know the Constitution intimately, for I am going through all seven articles and 27 amendments and writing a "people's" version. I've seen so many drab, dry, and boring readings there should be no wonder as to why few know little if anything about what it says. But the document being so essential to our lives (public officials, police officers, military personell all swear to uphold it, citizens as well if they vote or support the military) it should be required knowledge before graduating high school and college. Why it's not is beyond me.And I love David Byrne and the T Head's Once in a Lifetime. One of my all time favorite bands. Too bad they don't make bands like that anymore. Great reference.
hi dave,this was a well written, interesting article. it would be nice to see what would happen if we all would "just get along." even if we have differences.it's those differences that should bring us together in an interesting conversation.thank you for sharing, and i hope you continue writing,welcome to searchwarp.best regards,sue thomThanks, Sue. Yes, we do need to work on just "getting along". I look forward to corresponding with you in the future.Dave
Hi Dave, very well said. We Christians need to get a clue. Thanks for the reminder. Lord bless you!
Excellent reminder Dave!I have learned, that what others think is none of my business. I believe that church is in the heart and no matter what the outcome, God is large and in charge. Not my will but God's will.God bless you always,
Great observations, Dave. I have similar tangles when talking politics with my white friends. Worlds apart, though we live in the same city. Thank God for our common ground in the Kingdom of God. ~mogama~
Thoughtful article Dave. Good analogy. Steve
Hi Dave,Thank you for your thoughtful and caring words. As a minister, I am constantly battling the differences of which you speak. And you are right. I am so grateful and find comfort in the fact that God is the only constant in our universe and it is He who is in charge. What kind of world would it be if we left the politicians in charge? Oh yeah, I see it in our streets, our schools and our homes. Sad, very sad. Those of us who are Christians, thank you and welcome you to our SearchWarp family.(Rev) Star Lyn
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