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c. 2008 Religion News Service (UNDATED) As we enter another new year and are faced with new opportunities to make positive change in our lives, I’d like to encourage a New Year’s resolution toward civility _ especially in this super-charged election cycle. Already, it seems like it’s all politics, all the time. And if you’re […]

c. 2008 Religion News Service

(UNDATED) As we enter another new year and are faced with new opportunities to make positive change in our lives, I’d like to encourage a New Year’s resolution toward civility _ especially in this super-charged election cycle.

Already, it seems like it’s all politics, all the time. And if you’re like me, you’re already a little weary of the rhetoric and the negativity. We are supposed to be a United States, yet every election year seems to divide us even more.


Christians, especially, and all people of faith need to take the lead in this push for a new civility. All too often, Christians make one of two mistakes: Either they are obnoxious, uncharitable, narrow-minded and judgmental in offering their opinions, or they are so afraid of being “that kind of Christian” that they remain silent and don’t share their views on important issues.

Christians have helped win elections and yet, in the process, lost the souls of millions who are turned off by their approach. They dislike the way Christians talk about politics, and even their moral views, which sometimes come off as hypocritical and narrow-minded.

I’m reminded of several scriptures that make it a biblical mandate, not merely a suggestion, to guard our manner of speech:

“Be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to anger.” (James 1:19)

“Mercy triumphs over judgment.” (James 2:13)

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up.” (Ephesians 4:29)

“Blessed are the meek” and “Blessed are the peacemakers.” (Matthew 5:5 and 5:9)

“Anyone who says, `You Fool,’ will be in danger of the fire of hell” (Matthew 5:22). This one, especially, comes to mind during an election year.

Certainly, we value our freedom of speech and ability to “dissect” the candidates. But how often do we step over that line, saying far worse than “You Fool” about any of our presidential candidates? These are extraordinary citizens who have exhibited both courage and vulnerability in order to put themselves out there to run for president.

When it comes to politics, Christians sometimes forget that Jesus said the defining characteristic of his followers was meant to be love. We can and must reflect that love when doing politics.


We can have great debate about issues and qualifications for office, and we can feel that one person may be a better candidate than another. But let’s do this with civility, humility and love.

This might be a New Year’s resolution that would allow Christians to be both salt and light, influencing our society without turning people away from the Christ we claim to follow.

(Adam Hamilton is the senior pastor of the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kan.)

KRE/CM END HAMILTON500 words

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