A Community of Peacemakers in a Culture of Political Polarization | Future Church E6
Oct 13, 2023
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Explore the need for peacemaking in a politically polarized culture, the impact of loneliness and fear on society, and the importance of hospitality. Discover Jesus' example of dining with tax collectors and sinners, and the significance of small acts of rebuilding social trust. Dive into the role of the church in small moves against destructiveness and the future of in-person gatherings.
Political polarization in society is causing increasing divisions and loss of relationships within communities.
Loneliness and the lack of social connections contribute to political polarization and its negative effects on individuals' well-being.
Deep dives
The Impact of Political Polarization on Community
The podcast episode explores the impact of political polarization on community. It discusses how political differences have led to the loss of relationships and divisions within communities. The speaker shares their personal experience of losing people from their church community due to political differences. They also highlight the statistical evidence of increasing division and hostility in the nation, with many people viewing those from opposing parties as threats or even animals.
The Big Sort and Lifestyle Enclaves
The podcast delves into the concept of the 'big sort' and how it contributes to political polarization. It explains how a third of Americans have formed 'lifestyle enclaves' in cities and suburbs, which tend to be more progressive and wealthy. Meanwhile, the remaining two-thirds of the population feels left behind in rural areas or post-industrial cities. This geographic separation, along with digital algorithms, further reinforces individuals' limited exposure to people with different political views, resulting in increased polarization.
The Loneliness Epidemic and its Impact
The podcast episode emphasizes the prevalence of loneliness and its connection to political polarization. It highlights the alarming statistic that 40% of American adults have no or only one close confidant, leading to increased feelings of loneliness and fear. The speaker points out that much of what is diagnosed as depression is actually rooted in loneliness. They also discuss the role of pharmaceuticals in dealing with the resulting existential pain and the negative consequences of social media and political fervor on individuals' well-being.
The Call for Peacemaking and Hospitality
The podcast concludes by highlighting the importance of peacemaking and hospitality as a response to political polarization. The speaker references the example of Jesus, who embraced tax collectors and sinners, and even included former enemies among his closest followers. They argue that as followers of Jesus, our primary call is not to push political agendas, but to open our homes and hearts to others, practicing hospitality and turning enemies into family. The podcast emphasizes the need to rebuild social trust and engage in small acts of love and connection as crucial steps towards healing our society.
What if the way forward in our political moment isn’t sweeping reform, but a meal around the table? As much of the world becomes more divided than ever, John Mark challenges us to become peacemakers by demonstrating God's love through the practice of hospitality.
Key Scripture Passages: Mark 2v13-17, Mark 3v13-19, Romans 12v13, 1 Peter 4v8-9, Hebrews 13v1-2
This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: Jessica from Hermantown, Minnesota; Ben from Portland, Oregon; Brooke from Nashville, Tennessee; Marc from Chino Hills, California; and Achsah from Fayetteville , Georgia. Thank you all so much!
If you’d like to pay it forward and contribute toward future resources, you can learn more at practicingtheway.org/give.
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