Tired of Polarization?

[Akita Suggagaki]

Then don't contribute to it.

Quite often we might even pray for peace but have you personally worked on it? in your own heart.
I know my own heart can get stirred, riled, when I see posts or hear comments that I disagree with.
But truly, that is where our most difficult work starts. I am talking about equanimity no matter what happens.
Wouldn't it be wonderful if

“The peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7)

and

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” (Colossians 3:15)

That little three letter word there say sit all. "Let"

Many of the posts on this forum are good examples of not letting.

But I am finding that the more challenging work is with family. They push my buttons, test me and help me to practice peace daily.

But here also, I often feel good about not responding at all to posts I think are ridiculous.

So, changing my reactions to real life disturbances is a slow and difficult process. But with the grace of Christ I am seeing changes. It takes vigilance, watchfulness, mindfulness 24/7.

Who is with me?

 

[iarwain]

Who is with me?

I've been trying to be less provocative in my rhetoric lately. I want to express my opinion, but there's too much hate in the world right now, and it should be done respectfully and kindly whenever possible. That's not easy to do in the current climate, but as you say keeping Christ first in your heart goes a long way in accomplishing this.

It really disturbs me to see how much hate is thrown around politically. Name calling and demonization of those who disagree can be seen very regularly in political circles. It isn't right. Many go so far as to celebrate the death of those on the opposite political side, and even joyfully speculate on what afterlife torments they might be going through. I've seen some really vicious things said, and I don't want to be a conduit for carrying that forward.

 

[Akita Suggagaki]

This is actually a great opportunity to put into practice what we claim to believe.

When is it most difficult to "hold your peace"?

For me it is political issues, then religious issues then staying cool when I think my wife is picking or nagging me.

 

[iarwain]

When is it most difficult to "hold your peace"?
For me it is political issues, then religious issues then staying cool when I think my wife is picking or nagging me.

Lol, good point there. I remember when I was young, we were told that it wasn't polite to discuss politics or religion.
I don't think that transfers over to the internet though, where we have forums to specifically discuss these things. The best we can hope to do is to disagree politely and respectfully. Not saying I always succeed, mind you.

 

[Brihaha]

Since you are with God, I am with you. I am learning to let the peace of Christ rule in my heart. This is why I rarely post on this site much anymore. Social media inspires sinful behavior for many of us. Proverbs 10:19. There are several of my replies written to many posts which I decided against posting to the site. The Holy Spirit is becoming more influential in my life.

And like an eye that causes one to sin, it is better to remove the cause of sin than the to allow the entire body to be cast into hell. Matthew 5:29. So I eschew involving myself in things of this world that separate me from God.

Christianforums helped me through the pandemic by providing a social outlet. I will be eternally grateful.

 

[FireDragon76]

Lol, good point there. I remember when I was young, we were told that it wasn't polite to discuss politics or religion.
I don't think that transfers over to the internet though, where we have forums to specifically discuss these things. The best we can hope to do is to disagree politely and respectfully. Not saying I always succeed, mind you.

People have lost a sense of kindness and magnanimity. I blame the repeal of the fairness doctrine in the 1980's, and the rise in talk radio. I never felt so bad for my country, as when Rush Limbaugh was given the Presidential Medal of Freedom. He made coarseness and cruelty part of respectable discourse. In the past twenty years, even many churches have imitated this style of rhetoric.

 

[iarwain]

People have lost a sense of kindness and magnanimity. I blame the repeal of the fairness doctrine in the 1980's, and the rise in talk radio. I never felt so bad for my country, as when Rush Limbaugh was given the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

I agree repealing the Fairness Doctrine opened the doors to a lot of the toxic dividedness we have today. There doesn't seem to be a large cry to bring it back, although it would have to be heavily adapted to match up with the highly varied media we have now.

As for Limbaugh, he was a reaction to the left leaning media. Despite the fairness doctrine, we on the right could always detect a subtle bias in the newscasts, of course it was nowhere near the extent it is today. When Limbaugh came along, there was finally someone saying what we on the right were thinking, because before then we didn't really have representation in the media. That was his appeal.

 

[9Rock9]

I admit I don't always practice what I preach when it comes to de-escalating and easing polarization.

Sometimes, no matter how hard you try to be civil, someone is looking for a fight and will still try make you mad.

I made the mistake of taking social media way too seriously by thinking the opinions I encountered online were reflexive of common offline views, when in actuality, most people aren't crazy nor narcissistic.

I still haven't fully overcome it as I can't seem to avoid reading inflammatory headlines that put me in a bad mood.

 

[Akita Suggagaki]

Sometimes, no matter how hard you try to be civil, someone is looking for a fight and will still try make you mad.

Actually it is a gift to us as an opportunity to practice self discipline.

 

[FireDragon76]

I agree repealing the Fairness Doctrine opened the doors to a lot of the toxic dividedness we have today. There doesn't seem to be a large cry to bring it back, although it would have to be heavily adapted to match up with the highly varied media we have now.

As for Limbaugh, he was a reaction to the left leaning media. Despite the fairness doctrine, we on the right could always detect a subtle bias in the newscasts, of course it was nowhere near the extent it is today. When Limbaugh came along, there was finally someone saying what we on the right were thinking, because before then we didn't really have representation in the media. That was his appeal.

Affirming people in their prejudices, ill-will, and malice isn't a good thing.

 

[iarwain]

Affirming people in their prejudices, ill-will, and malice isn't a good thing.

And I suppose you're trying to say only Republicans have prejudice, ill will, and malice?

 

[FireDragon76]

And I suppose you're trying to say only Republicans have prejudice, ill will, and malice?

No. In this context, I am speaking about Limbaugh confirming his listeners in their prejudice, ill will, and malice.

 

[Akita Suggagaki]

No. In this context, I am speaking about Limbaugh confirming his listeners in their prejudice, ill will, and malice.

And if I may add: there may be good reason for anger and frustration. But that anger and frustration can easily be manipulated, amplified and merged with the old "us v. them" attitude with ill will, and malice.

 

[aNewMan]

The battle lines have been drawn though. To quote Tupac " We were given this world we didnt make it".

 

[Akita Suggagaki]

I am going to try harder to avoid arguments.

 

[WilliamK76]

“Give me liberty or give me death” is coming to America again in the not so distant future to them who will have a strong enough desire to be set free from the evil and corrupt political system of Rome/Babylon that is now in place in America.

 

[FireDragon76]

“Give me liberty or give me death” is coming to America again

How is that aspiration particularly Christian?

Jesus said whoever must be the greatest must be the slave of all. St. Augustine said service to God is perfect freedom. On the other hand, "Give me liberty or give me death" is the rallying cry of a movement that was largely irreligious and viewed freedom, not as service to what is good or true, but to pursue ones own interests.

 

[The Barbarian]

As for Limbaugh, he was a reaction to the left leaning media. Despite the fairness doctrine, we on the right could always detect a subtle bias in the newscasts,

Ronald Reagan trashed the Fairness Doctrine. For understandable reasons. The media was generally centerist to right wing at the time, and the Fairness Docrtine was seen as a way for liberal ideas to get more exposure.

Huge mistake, I think.

 

[Quasiblogo]

I am, but am also aware of the perils of not seeking out reliable sources of information in order to make responsible decisions. I have cut way back on that search, however. This is the only way to have time to seek the Lord in the everyday.