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weekly reflection from a member of the Hastings clergy

Written by Pastor Paris Pasch of The Journey Church in Hastings

The Power of Civility

I’ve had a few occasions in my life to disagree with someone who has an opposing perspective of an important life issue. I’ve also experienced dissenters who openly jeer, taunt and belittle with such disregard for others. It is never very fun, and it seems like it’s becoming harder to experience a civil dialogue in today’s culture with those who disagree. The new way of communication seems to be to highlight our differences and condemn our opponents. We vilify those who disagree with us, rather than seek to understand and be understood. We expose the flaws of others and we look for allies as we reject hands down anyone who sees through a different lens.

I wonder if we could move a bit more toward civility in our nation, by first acknowledging that we are all different in background and experience. America is a melting pot of people, ideas and perspectives. However, we’re supposed to be a “united states”, which doesn’t deny our heritage but celebrates our singleness of nationhood. The goal is not to make you exactly like me, but to find ways to reveal to you, why my perspective is an advantage for both of us. As a Christian, I have seen how my strong viewpoint of who God is might easily be seen as intolerant of other viewpoints because I am so passionate about how much God cares about humanity. I know that God spent everything He had to rescue people from separation from Him, back into a warm loving relationship with Him. I believe these things intellectually and experientially.

James 1:19-20 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.

I also hold to a belief that I should share my viewpoint, just not demand that others follow me. And just because government gives us permission to condemn others or gives permission to live immorally, doesn’t mean we should do so. So maybe we who disagree could still believe in what we value, but appreciate that others hold values also. Maybe we could disagree, without becoming disagreeable. What I have observed, is that it is seldom helpful to clench our fists and declare our opinion as the winner. We might do better to demonstrate that our viewpoint is beneficial to the human condition. Live in peace, then you will enjoy peace.

Written by Pastor Paris Pasch of The Journey Church in Hastings