c. 2000 Religion News Service
(Dale Hanson Bourke is the mother of two sons and the author of five books.)
(UNDATED) Over the past week we have heard from just about every political pundit, legal scholar and person who has ever had a thought about an election. Although many are introduced as independent, it is usually clear within a few seconds if they are Republican or Democrat.
Perhaps one of the most fascinating aspects of this ongoing election is how ordinary citizens, many of whom weren’t even that partisan before the election, have become passionate about issues like hand recounts and presidential electors. And perhaps one of the most telling things about our nation is how we can all listen to the same news reports and walk away hearing one thing if we are pro-Gore, another if we are pro-Bush.
A friend of mine compares it to the O.J. Simpson trial. Perceptions of what transpired during that legal battle were vastly different depending on the color of your skin.
Even more confounding is how few people _ even the so-called experts _ can concede any points to the opposition. Rarely do you hear someone admit to understanding how the other side can even form such an opinion. Early on, when a Palm Beach Bush supporter said she could understand how the Gore voters found the ballot confusing, the group of assembled Bush supporters turned on her with more venom than they had spewed on the Gore group.
As the days have dragged on, the language has become more loaded. “Stealing the election” has turned into a common phrase from both sides. No one seems willing to admit that if the tables were turned, their camp would be acting exactly the same way.
What’s going on here?
I’m beginning to believe that beyond the politics and legal wrangling something deeper and more deadly is happening. I believe we are beginning to sow the seeds of hatred and division that grow into demonizing the opposition. And because of that, I think it is time for some spiritual intervention. In addition to all the legal and political analysis, I’d like to hear from some religious leaders. It’s time we all prayed for wisdom, understanding and charity toward those who don’t see things our way.
It’s important that we ask God to unify the country whoever wins and help us live with our neighbor no matter what campaign sign he had on his front lawn.
It’s also important that our next president not live with a cloud over his presidency because of the way he was elected.
Prayer changes hearts and minds, I have learned. When you pray for understanding you may still disagree with someone but it is far more difficult to think the person is crazy. When you pray you begin to hear another person’s words more clearly and can comprehend the facts and emotions leading to their position. When you pray, your heart is softened and it is more difficult to use words that wound and create more division.
After all of the time we’ve spent analyzing, arguing, predicting and pontificating, it’s time we as a nation try praying. The situation we face goes beyond human experience and understanding. We may be able to solve the dilemma through votes or rulings, but we will never truly move forward without a heavenly dose of grace.
DEA END BOURKE
