“Don’t discuss religion and politics in polite company!” The lesson was drilled into us because such discussion would cause arguments. Now it is not possible to avoid discussion of the relation of the two in the public square or with family or friends. And sure enough, discussing the two causes arguments and even anger, and sometimes just bitter silence.
A community leader in northern Indiana reported recently that his congregation is gaining the ability to discuss, understand and respond to serious public issues. However, as soon a political party or a politician is mentioned, disruptive argument, confusion and impotency result. He asked how such conflict might be avoided.
Perhaps it would be more productive to discuss faith and patriotism instead of religion and politics. Patriotism and faith are very powerful forces closely related to personal and group identity. They are more basic than sect and party in shaping personal and group identity. Each creates allegiance to something beyond ourselves that undergird our hopes for the future and our children’s future. They are often abused precisely because so powerful. Patriotism can be perverted into idolatry. Faith can become narrow, unthinking and arrogant. Others manipulate both faith and patriotism to attain partisan ends, especially when an election draws near.
Remaining a patriot and a person of faith at the same time is possible even now. However, careful discernment of meaning and boundaries is necessary. Consider these suggestions that might lead to more productive discussions:
Avoid any confusion of faith and patriotism. The two are not the same. We dare not let patriotism become identified with politics or faith a cover for injustice. A cabinet minister said to President Abraham Lincoln, “I hope God is on our side.” Lincoln replied, “I hope we are on God’s side.”
Don’t allow anyone to manipulate your patriotism or your faith for ignoble ends.
Remember that both patriotism and faith are matters of the head as well as of the heart. Reason and faith are thought by some to be at odds. However, the rational (head) and the charismatic (heart) are alike in shining from an individual’s inner light, and share the need to be appropriately balanced. Likewise, the state and religious communities have to work through are very complex contemporary issues; for example, abortion, human rights, economic justice, immigration, and health care. Maintaining freedom and justice for everyone when dealing with those and other pressing issues requires more than a grade school or bar room patriotism and more than a sentimental or impulsive faith.
Patriotism and faith are based on firmly held principles and lead to deep commitments that transcend particular religious groups or political parties. Patriotism and faith overlap in professing their commitment to the common good in what some call “the beloved community.” Future civil discussions and cooperative actions toward the common good might result from a focus on patriotism and faith instead of partisan arguments about politics and religion.
Raymond Brady Williams contributed this column.
