Dr. Joel Rainey is husband to Amy, father of three, and Lead Pastor at Covenant Church, Shepherdstown, West Virginia. He serves on the adjunct faculty of two seminaries, and the author of three books. This was originally published at Joel’s blog, themelios.
“Clinton-Trump Debate Expected to Be Rare Draw in a Polarized Age.”
That was the New York Times headline that led my news feed yesterday. The article predicted the possibility of as many as 100 million viewers–20 million more than the 1980 debate between Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan that has thus far held the record for the most viewers. 83 percent of registered voters are likely to watch. But many of the reasons behind these predictions have little to do with issues affecting our nation or the expectation of high-minded debate.
And the NYT article didn’t hide that fact, stating clearly that “the uniquely uncivil presidential campaign is about to produce one of the biggest civic gatherings in decades. . . .many may tune in merely for the spectacle.” Comparing this debate to the Ali-Frazier fight, former talk-show host Dick Cavett stated the painfully obvious; “There’s possible drama and fireworks and insults and horror and disaster and potential enlightenment. It would attract anybody.”
In short, most people aren’t tuning in to be educated on substantive issues. Most will be watching hoping for a train wreck. And in the event of a train wreck, expect lots of pictures. And tweets. And Facebook statuses. And further polarization, contention, and all-around nastiness.
With that looming context in view, it might do Christians well to remember Paul’s words: “Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification, according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear. (Ephesians 4:29)
There are times when followers of Jesus should engage, and engage fully in cultural conversation. This is especially true when the principles of the Kingdom dictate a higher and more worthy approach than what we hear and the manner in which we hear it. There are other times when the conversation is set up in such a way as to make it unredeemable, when Christians should just walk away and “take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness.” (Ephesians 5:11)
I’m not saying a Christian shouldn’t watch tonight’s debate. But I am suggesting that our best response to anything said tonight might just be silence. Rick Warren has well-stated that the western church has successfully severed the hands and feet of Christ so that all that is left is a big mouth.
So if I may be so bold, let me make a simple suggestion to any Christ-follower reading these words ahead of tonight’s debate. When it comes to your use of social media, just stay quiet tonight.
I think this is a good idea for three reasons.
Division is not our business. Inevitably, there will be someone who responds to this with “but TRUTH divides!” And that’s true. But anyone who believes either of these candidates deals in “truth” is living in a dreamworld.
The kind of polarization we have witnessed in recent months–some of which has actually escalated into actual physical violence–is simply antiChrist. Followers of Jesus may disagree with each other–even strongly so–about how to solve a problem. But in the end, our commitment under the Lordship of Jesus should be to the solution, not to attacking those with whom we disagree. Can we all be honest enough to admit that tonight’s “debate” isn’t going to be about issues so much as personalities? Let’s not contribute to the national division we are experiencing by throwing our own vitriolic, social media-empowered gasoline on that already-raging fire.
We aren’t going to change anyone’s mind. Currently, less than 8 percent of the electorate is “undecided.” And even if that number was larger, the chances of changing someone’s mind with a Facebook post is slim. The greater chance is that you lose a friend, or lose your testimony. Tonight, refuse to be part of the social media “echo chamber” that in the end, solves nothing and only deepens the division.
We may throw away greater opportunities. I’m the pastor of a church filled with people who will vote for Hillary Clinton, Donald Trump, Gary Johnson, Evan McMullin, and Jill Stein. (a few in our congregation have told me they are writing in “Mickey Mouse” as a protest vote, but I digress.) Each has different reasons for supporting their chosen candidate, and none at this point in the election wants to hear their brothers or sisters say “how can a Christian vote for THAT person?!”
Let’s be honest. That question could legitimately be asked of ANY of these candidates for various reasons. But when we take to social media with those opinions, we are–more often than we realize–throwing away greater opportunities for unity with each other, and walk in relationship to each other. If someone you know perceives that you think they are “stupid” or “ungodly” or “unenlightened” or in any other way less than you because of a social media statement about this debate, you may very well lose any further opportunity to engage with them about issues far more important than this temporary kingdom in which we find ourselves.
This is especially true for church leaders. Pastors, elders, deacons, small group leaders, Sunday School teachers and others who lead need to realize that if your social media presence causes you to be seen as a shill for one candidate or one party, your influence in the body of Christ will be greatly diminished–perhaps deservingly so. You have a much higher calling that should not be wasted on this nonsense.
In 1 Corinthians 3, Paul compares his ministry to that of a “master builder.” In the end, he states that we will all stand in front of Jesus, and “each one’s work will become manifest.” (3:13) In Paul’s mind, there are two kinds of builders; those who build with “gold, silver, and precious stones,” and those who build with “wood, hay and stubble.” At the end of the age, he tells us that the first group will be rewarded, and the second will have their work burned up. Because in the end, it never truly amounted to anything.
As I observe how tonight’s presidential debate has been set up, advertised, publicized, I see a lot of wood, hay and stubble. Should you watch? That’s up to you. Should you vote? I believe you should. Should you watch waiting for the right moment to pounce on the one you want to lose? I’m pretty sure that kind of activity on social media won’t amount to anything.
Tomorrow will be a new day. I expect, given what has been predicted, that a blanket of negativity and caustic rhetoric will have been thrown over our national discourse once again. That will be our opportunity to shine a unifying, clarifying light. That will be our opportunity to truly face our national division in a more effective way.
But tonight, maybe we should just keep our mouths shut.
I will be silent on social media, largely because I intend to completely ignore this event. I couldn’t care less what lies either of these folks has to tell. There, I vented. I feel better. Now, I’ll let the rest of you have your say, and I’ll go do yardwork.
That’s the problem, Christians “keeping our mouths shut”. We need to quit judging one another and do as the Lord leads. When Christians give up on whatever political process is in place, refust to vote, refuse to participate, THEN we need to keep our mouths shut.
How would you defend this biblically?
I hear that often, “If you refuse to vote then you need to keep your mouth shut”. But I’ve never really seen a biblical defense of the position. Not saying there isn’t one. I’m just saying it seems to be one of those assumed maxims.
Stephen,
Given two choices, both bad and horrific, there is no forced need to choose one or the other. Christians first represent their King, and have a mandate and a duty to Him to not keep their mouths shut when speaking to the issues in their communities, their states, their countries and the world.
This country has turned their back on God despite the multitude of blessings He has lavished on this land. Ungrateful and rebellious, this country has turned to ever increasing debauchery and called evil good and good evil.
Our duty to God and to our fellow citizens is first NOT to vote, but to continue to warn our neighbors of the coming judgment that will be wise than the judgments we have already received. When the USA allowed gross sin to be legal, and the people cheered instead of rising up to the path of righteousness, that was a judgment of God on us that should have led the nation to repentance. Instead the nation has chosen to follow wickedness. Thus more judgments of God will follow as He allows us to sink further into the sewer as we gleefully desire.
Who becomes the next president isn’t going to stop this sty slide into the muck. Voting or not voting will change nothing.
Besides we as Christians shouldn’t be complaining anyway. We know we deserve the slop we receive. Instead we should be all about pointing the only way out of the downward spiral, if God will have mercy, and that is to surrender ourselves singularity and plurally to the Lord Jesus.
Don’t be distracted by this election. Preach repentance for judgment is coming.
I would disagree Steve McClain. I guess I prove that by not keeping my mouth shut. 🙂
🙂 Let’s agree to disagree. Have a blessed day.
I’m planning to comment but not as an advocate for either side. I’m hoping we might actually have opportunities to raise the bar and show even in this climate we don’t have to traffic in hate and division.
If the opportunity doesn’t seem there to speak thoughtfully and productively, I’ll take Joel’s advice.
Joel Rainey,
I think you have given a wise plan of approach for tonight’s debate. The potential, long range consequences for local church pastors making declarations about this debate could prove to be highly harmful to the cause of Christ. This world is temporal is what I keep telling myself, so I should direct people to the Hope of the next life rather than major on this.
“If I ever cast my vote (speak out) against the fatherless child when I saw that I had support (influence) in the city gate, then let my shoulder blade fall from my back, and my arm pulled from its socket.” (Job 31:21-22)
There are better options in the presidential election process than the two in tonight’s debate. I realize that many argue it is a waste of time and voting duty to do so, but Darrell Castle is the only candidate I could, in good conscience, vote for.
Tonight’s debate hype proves we are in a nation of blood thirsty, humanistic, circus loving, issue careless, electorate.
Voting for the best man for the job is never a wasted vote. Voting for someone less than the best, in an attempt to engineer the “best outcome,” is always a wasted vote (no matter who wins). Anyone who has moral qualms about Trump and only (comparatively minor) political disagreements with Castle ought to ask themselves what’s more important. Several times, I’ve brought up the fact that God has already decided this election; but It’s mostly just ignored…
Hey Joel Rainey,
I have an idea for an alternative and highly intellectual dialogue for tonight!
Let’s get Dave Miller to make me a guest moderator and discuss why such wannabes as Clemson, Iowa, and North Carolina will never win a National Championship against ALABAMA.
Guys like you, Dave Miller and Dave Cline could debate which of the three above and any other FOOTBALL Nation in the FOOTBALL Universe would be the best possible contender and then I will tell you why it is impossible for any FOOTBALL NATION in the FOOTBALL Universe to win the National Championship this season other than the ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE.
Talk about a highly intellectual exercise . . . . . now that would be one!!!
What do you think about that idea, Joel Rainey?
ROLL TIDE ROLL!!!!
Notice you didn’t mention Louisville, Ohio State, Michigan, etc.
Well, Delegate Miller,
I am fairly sure that Clemson will settle any claim Louisville might have this coming Saturday and that will be the end of Louisville’s little dust-up. And since we are still in the realm of up-set miracles, the Scarlet Knights of Rutgers might silence the Buckeyes once and for all.
And of course, we both know Michigan can’t dance out a full dance card with BAMA, don’t we?
You CB are a scholar and a gentleman–who unfortunately becomes a mindless barbarian when it comes to college football. 😉
So true. So true.
I too concur.
Those of us who have the true light will pray for you fellows.
John
Thank you, John Fariss.
FOOTBALL jealousy is a terrible disease among the Lesser Conferences and there is no known cure other than to become a Fan of an SEC Nation. Of course, in the case of Miller and Cline, they may too far gone. Such a tragedy for two basically bright guys to end without any FOOTBALL Joy in their lives. Makes me want to cry.
At least Joey Rainey is a Clemson fan so there may be help for him yet, since Clemson is only one step away from being a SEC Nation.
CB,
I sincerely ask, how can you be so certain that Clemson will beat Louisville?
I can see either team winning that game – there is loads of talent on both teams and they are both the real deal, IMO. I think its gonna be fun.
I will also add that Clemson got some obvious and major help from the zebra dressed men in the ACC championship last year – without that there was a real good chance that the ACC champs would have been singing…..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6dimDXTOf94
Tarheel,
Pay close attention and learn from an SEC Fan. You know that means I know the FOOTBALL Universe better than you, because of my SEC genetics. We just simply know more. No brag, just fact.
Clemson is an SEC Nation living in an ACC skin. They recruit like SEC Nations. They look like an SEC Nation, and yes, they play like an SEC Nation.
In all honesty (and you know I am always honest and unbiased about FOOTBALL — Total Objectivity is my middle name when it comes to FOOTBALL), Clemson is the only Nation in the entire FOOTBALL Universe that has even a possibility of beating BAMA. USC sent those West Coast boys to Texas and you saw what happened. Ole Miss had us down home at their place for some Rebel Gumbo and you saw what happened. We don’t have another Nation in front of us during the regular season who has a “dog’s” (TN) chance of beating us.
The only possible legitimate opponent we have is Clemson. They are bad to the bone and they play all out all of the time. They are a FOOTBALL Nation, the real deal.
Louisville is another flash-in-the-pan just like Boise State was and like Notre Dame was also.
Now, you are freshly educated. So go thou and begin to be a fan of an SEC Nation and then you will never again have to hang your head in shame. you will be a Fan and not a fan. There is a “capital” difference as you should by now see.
Evan McMullin received the ballot line of the Independent Party of Florida, the state’s third-largest political party with over 258,000 …
Darrell Castle is from Tennessee and is the candidate of the Constitution party.
In case you were wondering who these people were.
As much as I find politics interesting, I rarely, if ever, comment on FB about politics.
For me FB is a wide gate. I have friends of all stripes there. Just as I would never walk into a room full of friends of difficult political opinions and start picking fights, I do not do that on FB.
If I limited my friends on FB to like thinkers, I might be more open.
So for me, my behavior on FB will be no different.
I do not see a difference in this year’s contest that should keep people from commenting, however.
When this political season started last summer, right out of the box, we had Christian leaders making declarative statements that no sincere Christian driven by conviction could in good conscience vote for Donald Trump. These admonitions were published in the NYT and elsewhere. It cut across denominational boundaries but included leaders of at least 2 SBC agencies.
Unfortunately, I believe this set the tone for the rest of the year.
Once Trump secured the nomination, things began to get back to normal. Even Ted Cruz has changed his tune after his manifest and unfortunate career destruction at the convention.
My own belief is the Christians have been too apocalyptic about this election.
I would caution Christians, especially those is positions that are believed to be non-partisan. to be gracious and cautious in their speech.
But I would not want to perpetuate the meme that has developed about these candidates, Mr. Trump in particular, as a basis for quelling political discussion or conviction.
Again, right now I see the vituperation tending to come from Trump folks against those of us who refuse to vote for him.
I am sure there is some of that Dave. But in the SBC I have not seen any agency heads engage in the kind of attempted beat down that was going on last summer and fall.
Of course, I don’t keep up as well in the SBC as you do. I saw that Ronnie Floyd and Robert Jeffress are on Trump’s Evangelical advisor council, or whatever it’s called.
I saw Richard Land’s article saying that he was voting for Trump, but I did not see any vituperation. I thought it was even handed.
Most of the anti-Trump stuff I am reading now is much more measured. I have read Bart’s stuff, and thought he was measured, as usual. I have even read Doug Wilson, and thought he was fair.
It’s unfortunate that there is any in either direction.
But the really bad stuff was months ago, from top level people, and in major publications.
Fortunately, that kind of stuff has stopped, though it did work up a lot of people, many of whom I still see.
This may be a really good test for the body. Some people are going to see this differently. They are equally sincere, and we have to give folks room to disagree. I think that is the best course.