Civil Discourse in a Time of Hate

This column was published on Saturday, May 28, 2016 in the Independent Record newspaper in Helena, Montana on their Religion Page. Click here to view the column as it appears on their page.
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My name is Roger Lynn, and about seven months ago I became the pastor at Plymouth Congregational Church. I am so grateful for the warm welcome I have received here in Helena. People both inside and outside of my congregation have been kind and gracious. Sadly, such kindness is not always in evidence in our world. I find myself troubled by the ways in which we all too often talk to each other these days. Whether it occurs within the political arena, or the on-line comments section following news articles, or on Facebook and other social media sites, public discourse in our society frequently seems to be defined by insulting, threatening, demonizing, and hateful speech. People talk at each other and about each other rather than with each other. Genuine dialogue and understanding disappear whenever lines are drawn and sides are chosen. 

As a Christian pastor I strive to follow the teachings of Jesus, who made it abundantly clear that we are to love one another. And if we look around, we see that this teaching is not limited only to followers of Christ. Variations on this theme of love can be found in virtually all of the world's faith traditions and even among those who follow no particular faith. 

We will not always agree with each other. We won't even always like each other. But our differences do not require us to be unkind and even hateful.  In the Gospel of Luke we find Jesus saying, “But I say to you that you listen, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. . . Do to others as you would have them do to you.” (Luke 6: 27-28, 31)

There are also reasons beyond altruism for heeding such sage advice. I am convinced that the vitriol which is so much in evidence these days simply does not serve us well. When our attitudes and behaviors toward the “other” are characterized by hatred rather than kindness, the damage which results affects all of us and tears at the very fabric of our shared society. When we stop listening to each other, we cut ourselves off from perspectives which can expand our horizons and enhance our experience of life.

So why do we do it? Why is such lack of civility so common? There are all sorts of explanations, from the anonymity which the internet makes possible to the growing polarization which divides the world into “us” and “them.” And while I'm sure there are many factors which contribute to this phenomenon, I suspect that one of the prime underlying causes is fear. 

Whenever we human beings allow fear to reign supreme, we respond by building walls and adopting a defensive stance designed to protect ourselves from any and all perceived threats. Violence in thought, word, or deed often becomes the order of the day. In these times in which we live, the message of fear is being promoted and encouraged at every turn. A strong case can be made that fear represents a crisis of faith. When we give in to fear, we have forgotten that we are connected to a reality which is larger than ourselves. “Be not afraid!” is a message which is repeated throughout the Bible. “Move within, but do not move the way fear makes you move” counsels the Sufi poet Rumi. If we begin to flex our spiritual muscles and practice letting go of our fear, then perhaps our public discourse with one another can become less toxic. 

We need not give up our cherished beliefs. But neither do we need to demonize those who see the world differently. It costs us nothing to be kind, and we might even learn to appreciate the world in new and more expansive ways as we practice listening to each other. It probably won't happen overnight, but it won't happen at all unless we dare to step out in love and begin the journey. I invite you to join me in learning new ways of relating to all those with whom we share life on this planet.

- Roger Lynn

Pastor, Plymouth Congregational Church UCC