Jim Wallis: God Has Not Given Us a Spirit of Fear
From Sojourners:
God Has Not Given Us a Spirit of Fear
How Do We Lift Up Love Over Hate in This Angry Election Season?
By Jim Wallis
[url]https://sojo.net/articles/god-has-not-given-us-spirit-fear[/url]
Sadly, and quite alarmingly, the spirit at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio was full of fear, anger, and even hatred. Vitriol often replaced serious public discourse about the most important issues at stake in our public life. I watched every night on television but have also received messages from people on the inside — including friends who are Christian, conservative, and Republican — feeling almost distraught about all three of those core commitments. One friend wrote me to say, “I am close to losing it. The spirit is so angry and hateful here.”
The atmosphere at political conventions is always highly partisan and often very tough on the other side — but that is part of rigorous political debate in a democracy. There are legitimate and fundamental differences between competing parties and politicians. But the continual outright lies and vicious personal attacks this week have been extraordinary. When the biggest applause lines include a chant aimed at the Democratic candidate to “lock her up,” things have gone beyond rigorous partisan debate.
The nature of our public discourse is a very important test for the moral health of a nation. The civility of that public discussion and debate should be a central concern; the kinds of people who are denigrated or lifted up is critical. Even how opponents are treated is indicative of both the public and personal character of political leaders.
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