How, Then, Shall We Live?

Families have always had differing opinions when it comes to politics and religion, but there is something rather sinister about the divisions that are occurring now. Families that used to argue about politics or religion at Thanksgiving and Christmas and then laugh about it and part company with hugs and jokes, now are determining not to speak to each other at all. Why?

My own theory (and it is only that) is that this president has been able to combine the hot button issues of politics and religion into one single entity....

In the civil rights movement, more than races were divided: so were families, both black and white. Martin Luther King, Jr. was questioning the political, social, and religious status quo; believing that "the hope of a secure and livable world lies with disciplined nonconformists who are dedicated to justice, peace and brotherhood." Families were divided as some members saw that following Jesus meant going against "the way things have always been."

This really isn't a choice between Jesus and Paul. One person says, "I believe in following Jesus' New Testament teachings and example in peacemaking." Another says, "I believe in following Paul's New Testament teachings on obeying our leaders." Gentle education is the only answer. And unfortunately, it's the kind of education that may take years to have an effect. Until folks can see that Paul and Jesus don't disagree there will be division. When the fundamentalist branch of Christianity sees that we are not required to follow our leaders into sin, the healing will begin. When the progressive branch of Christianity sees that generations of enculturation cannot be undone in a few weeks or even a few years, the healing will begin. When forgiveness is the top priority, the healing will begin.

[via Outside the Camp]