1 Corinthians 13:7, the famous passage on Christian love, declares “love believes all things,” reminding fellows in Christ to give one another the benefit of the doubt. Sadly, most Americans have become increasingly unwilling to provide this benefit. This lack of trust was put on display in the first week of February when the House of Representatives, led by a Democrat coalition, took nearly unprecedented action by completely stripping a freshman representative of their committee appointments. [5]
The member in question, Marjorie Taylor Greene, is a Republican who has generated high levels of controversy because of allegations that she has been linked with conspiracy theories and white supremacy groups. The infamy associated with her alleged views has grown to be so great that the opening sentence of her Wikipedia page declares it as one of the most notable aspects of her short political career! [1] Despite Greene’s vehement denial that she currently believes any of the ideas of which she is accused, her fellow representatives moved ahead with removing her from several committees, heedless of her defense. [6]
The controversy surrounding Greene has highlighted a sharp divide that is growing between Democrats and Republicans, as well as within the Republican Party itself.
The Republican divide, specifically, has widened over the future that faces those on the right side of the political aisle. The website FiveThirtyEight even went so far as to divide the future of Republican politicians into three categories: controversial freshmen, better-known Trump allies, and Republicans who have broken with Trump. [2]
The controversy surrounding Greene is emblematic of the growing distrust and polarization within the United States broadly. Data backs up this frightening reality. In 2019, Pew Research Center found that 49% of Americans think citizens’ trust in each other has fallen because people have become less reliable. [3]
With the vitriol that is being leveled by both sides, is it any wonder that George Washington warned America’s against forming factions in his farewell address? [4]
This ideological conflict is especially heartrending to Christians. Although the Democrat Party has largely pushed Biblical principles out of their platform, those who consider themselves Christians can still be found across the political spectrum. These brothers and sisters in Christ run the risk of being pitted against one another by proxy because of the political philosophies of factional leaders.
During times in which there is pressure to turn against our fellow Christians, it is important to remember the wisdom of Colossians 3:15, which says, “therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” Despite the temptation to categorically condemn or endorse certain political views, Christians need to remember to be kind and humble. Most Christians are trying their best.
The temperature of our political exchanges needs to be turned down. As ambassadors of Christ, it is our job to act in ways that set us apart from this world. Perhaps we could begin by giving our brothers and sisters in Christ the benefit of the doubt.
Foundations of Truth hereby waives all claim of copyright (economic and moral) in this work and immediately places it in the public domain; it may be used, published, edited, and distributed in any manner whatsoever without any attribution or notice to Foundations of Truth.
[1] “Marjorie Taylor Greene,” Wikipedia (n.d.), https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marjorie_Taylor_Greene
[2] Nathaniel Rakich, “What Do Americans Think Of Marjorie Taylor Greene? Liz Cheney? Josh Hawley?” FiveThirtyEight (February 5, 2021), https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/what-do-americans-think-of-marjorie-taylor-greene-liz-cheney-josh-hawley/
[3] “Trust and Distrust in America,” Pew Research Center (July 22, 2019), https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2019/07/22/the-state-of-personal-trust/
[4] “Transcript of President George Washington's Farewell Address (1796),” OurDocuments.Gov (n.d.), https://www.ourdocuments.gov/doc.php?flash=false&doc=15&page=transcript
[5] Alan Fram and Brian Slodysko“Dem-led House, drawing a line, kicks Greene off committees,” Associated Press (February 4, 2021), https://apnews.com/article/d00c46241478d39db3996a36f5cbf91e
[6] “U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene regrets ‘words of the past,’ without specific apology,” Star Advertise (February 4, 2021), https://www.staradvertiser.com/2021/02/04/breaking-news/u-s-rep-marjorie-taylor-greene-regrets-words-of-the-past-without-specific-apology/
