Nonetheless, I am interested in being somewhat informed, and I do read a lot. I have read many very thoughtful and well written articles by people much smarter than me on topics that tend to have a polarizing effect. And I've read a lot of crap written by those who are only interested in hearing themselves talk. I understand why people are drawn to issues that seem to have only two sides - it's much easier to think in terms of black or white, right or wrong, legal or illegal. The grey areas are far more complex and require more thought, listening, and compromise. In graduate school one of my ethics professors used the term "binary trap" for the mental state of either/or. She would say, "If you think there are only two options, you're wrong. Think harder."
This week, in the midst of a great tragedy, I have once again heard some heated debates about how the situation in Boston should or should not have been handled. It seems that high profile news stories like this put a spotlight on every hot controversy, and rattle the ire of every person who has ever had a gripe of any kind. And the really irritating thing is I find myself getting angry at all the anger!
So I'm going to allow myself this one political rant. I apologize in advance if I offend anyone. Unless, of course, you happen to live in the same house as me. In that case, so be it.
I don't in any way mean to suggest that issues like abortion, gay marriage, legalized marijuana, universal health care, or whether to declare marshall law in order to apprehend two bombers in Boston are not important issues. They are. These issues deserve careful and thoughtful dialogue by the best minds. These issues call for passion and courage and grounding. They also require compassion and listening and mercy. And prayer. Lots and lots of prayer. I believe (and this is the rant part) that everyone should hold their tongue and duct tape their lips shut until they have prayed for at least as long as they intend to spend voicing their opinion.
Where do I get such a crazy idea? From scripture. The apostle Paul saw this tendency toward polarization in the first century church. He warned them:
I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing. 1Tim 2:1-4,8.You see, I'm pretty sure that angry controversies are rooted in an inaccurate view of who God is, and who we are in relation to him. The God of the universe is so far bigger and stronger and in control than we give him credit for. Our petty arguments and seemingly important concerns serve to enlarge our view of ourselves and make God seem small and weak. And when that happens, the enemy gloats.
The best illustration of this principle I've seen recently is a talk given by Pastor Louie Giglio. You might recall that Pastor Giglio was invited to deliver the invocation at the presidential inaguration, but was uninvited when a crafty reporter dug up an old interview in which Pastor Giglio had voiced concerns about the gay agenda. So Pastor Giglio is no stranger to controversy. But he has also learned that these "big" issues are small when compared to our BIG God. I promise this 7 minutes will be worth your time.
I hope this has given a little perspective to whatever issue puts a bee in your bonnet.
End of rant.
P.S. If you'd like to see Pastor Giglio's entire 40 minute talk, you can find it here: http://youtu.be/azFFc20_Ub4
