With another semester of college finished, I found myself going into Christmas break with a list of books that got pushed aside in the chaos of Waco activities. Settling into the slow routine of break I began with a book that’s long been on my list, Why We’re Polarized by Ezra Klein.
It’s about American politics, specifically the polarization of the 2016 election and all that followed. Klein in his assessment of American polarization makes an interesting claim, “polarization begets polarization,” (33). What he’s saying here is that, in American politics, when a group begins to lean toward a specific ideology, they begin choosing politicians who push policy that aligns with their belief. As they elect politicians with those beliefs, that opinion begins to be associated with the party and more people (more strongly) agree or disagree. This division becomes cyclical.
As I read this book, I can’t help but observe the ways this similar mentality extends beyond political spheres. I see its truths seeping into everyday conversations, attitudes and behaviors in my own life. Even more I see its truths in scripture. I see deep polarization between Christians and the world, and not in the way Jesus calls us to be set apart.
So I ask the question, why are we polarized?
As I search for an answer I keep falling on the thought, ‘because we’re comfortable.’ In Klein’s book he writes “a voter who mostly ignores American politics today is clearer on the differences between the two parties than political junkies and partisan loyalists were in 1980,” (16). It was difficult in the more foundational years of American politics to understand what policies politicians supported. Polarization made this easier. Republicans always vote ____, and Democrats always vote ____, you fill in the blank because I imagine something came to mind. Spiritually, we can fall into a similar cycle. Christians always think _____.
As Christians, it is our job to understand why we believe what we do. Blind faith lacks roots, and we need roots (Matthew 13). Moreso, when we just accept things, even if they are true, because as Christians we are told to, we suddenly cut ourselves off from people who disagree, in my opinion, because we are afraid of being proven wrong on something we are supposed to believe in. We completely close ourselves off to Gospel conversations on that subject. This is polarizing.
I can be quick when talking about things to fall into “because the bible says so.” But why does it say that? What is the bigger picture? Why is lying a sin, or drinking, or sex before marriage? Why can’t Christians be greedy or selfish? What should Christians believe about abortion, war, taxes? Our roots in our beliefs need to be the Gospel. When we are rooted in Jesus, suddenly we can have those conversations with people who disagree with us without being upset or offended or jumping into the “the bible says so” mentality. Having conversations also destroys that wall of polarization. Notice the word conversation, not argument. You’re not proving a point or checking off another box on the “I was right” list (speaking to myself here more than others, if I’m being honest).
Let’s circle back to our book for a second. Klein talks about how an issue within a party is discussed and resolved, but an issue between parties is heightened and escalated. Let’s not let this system, this natural instinct, clutter our faith. So someone disagrees with what we believe. Why do they disagree? What makes us so sure we are right? Is our belief rooted in the bible or in preference? Can we understand, even empathize, with their perspective? Can we share our belief through the Spirit trusting that if God wants their heart to change it will? Can we walk away more confident in our belief, or trust that the Lord will highlight where we might be wrong? Are we okay being wrong?
In the same way a political party label seems to attach a million beliefs to a person, the label of faith does the same. Don’t let these beliefs sneak up on you without understanding them, and being able to defend them (1 Peter 3:15-17). Polarization begets polarization, and uneducated alignment creates division out of fear of being proven wrong. All of this is avoidable through seeking to understand the Truth. By being rooted in our beliefs, we are able to share them and talk about them freely, and we are able to act in a way that reflects this belief. By clothing ourselves in humility, we are able to soften our hearts and know that we are not God, and sometimes we are wrong. What conversations are you avoiding? What topics are polarizing?
Jesus does tell us this world is not our own, we are supposed to look different. We are not supposed to be polarized or seperate. The same way Jesus left His throne so that we may be transformed (John 3:16, Romans 12:2), we are called to go into the world and engage with the hope of spreading Jesus and glorifying Him. We cannot do this if we hide behind a wall of echo chambers, broken beliefs and polarizing identities. Break the cycle, build your roots, and choose to connect.