Is Politics Hopeless? 5 Ways to Practice Hope in Politics
“When you feel yourself reacting negatively to something you hear, hit pause in your mind.
Ask yourself (1) ‘Why am I reacting this way?’ and (2) ‘What could this conversation be like without my reaction?'”
– Sarah Holland, Beth Silvers
The Overwhelming Divide
We all face moments when the world can feel overwhelming, especially again this year when it comes to politics.
At times it appears hopeless. The divide seems too large to bridge. Red states, blue states, progressives, conservatives, us vs them makes us wonder if there is any common ground left.
In the past few years, I’ve found myself more politically aware than ever before. While it’s been empowering to better understand the issues, it’s also been disheartening. Talking politics can both fire me up and bring me down.
But even in politics, there is hope, right?
A Shift in Perspective
Yes, there is reason to hope. This quote by Sarah Holland and Beth Silvers gives me hope. It’s from their book, I Think You’re Wrong (But I’m Listening): A Guide to Grace-Filled Political Conversations.
“We’ve decided to stop calling America ‘divided.’
Buying into this conflict-driven narrative is a choice, and it’s a choice we’re not going to make. We don’t feel divided from each other or the people in our lives in any way.
There are no perfect relationships, ideas, people, or organizations in our lives. They’re all flawed, just as we are flawed.
But we see past those flaws—because we are first looking for the good.“
5 Commitments to Practice Hope in Politics
Here are five commitments from I Think You’re Wrong that we can use to practice hope in political discussions.
1. Commit to recognizing and putting down your defensiveness.
2. Commit to learning something in the discussion.
3. Commit to having a dialogue instead of giving alternate speeches.
4. Commit to assessing whether it’s the right time to say what is on your mind.
5. Commit to ending the discussion by strengthening the relationship.
Within the boundaries of these commitments, perhaps we can talk politics with our family, friends, and even strangers more productively and with respect. Through this approach we can grow in self-awareness and love for others whether we’re on the same side of an issue or polar opposite. We can let go of our daily moral outrage at every new controversial statement and instead listen with curiosity.
As Beth and Sarah wisely put it,
“Remember that you are part of something so much bigger than one election, one vote, and one law.”
I want to believe this. So this is my reminder to choose hope, even in politics.
* * *
Who do you talk politics with? Everybody, nobody, only a select few? Do you find it hopeful? Please share in the comments.
revised from the archives
I do wonder of much of the rancor in politics comes from misplaced (and therefore disappointed) hopes. As Chuck Colson used to say, “Salvation will not arrive on Air Force One.” Our hope is in Christ alone. Certainly no political party or candidate can bear the weight of all our hopes and dreams.
These are so true. A tough topic – especially in some families – that needs to be addressed. Loved it.
I had to laugh when I saw the title of your post. It was a question, not a statement. I have found politics hopeless lately. The book recommendation and the tips are much appreciated! We should be able to talk with one another, even if we don’t agree politically.
I usually avoid political discussions all together except with my immediate family. Partly because it’s not an area of interest for me but mostly because it is so divisive. If everyone talked about politics the way you describe here, then it would be easier and more beneficial.
Amen, sister! We can keep repeating, “The sky is falling!” but that doesn’t change anything. That just keeps us wrapped up in worry and strife. Thanks for sharing these awesome points. Right on!
I try to avoid political discussions. I’m one of those people that believe strongly about my point of view and can defend it effectively… but to what end?
In the last ten years I chosen to listen and try to understand why and how people come to believe how they do.
I’ve found that even though I try to avoid the conversation it inevitably happens. When I remove my emotion from the conversation I find that others will, for the most part, be more apt to lose theirs as well.
Thanks, Lisa, for approaching a difficult subject, and about which we need some hope in navigating it. I believe one of the biggest problems with Evangelicals right now (and I am an Evangelical) is that we put our hope in politics even more than God, often. Politics has become a huge idol. If we elect the right President, who will elect the right SCOTUS Justices, who will make the right decisions, from our perspective, then all will be well. We will finally have hope. There will be hope for America. It goes something like that. Interestingly, Roe v Wade, which I think all Christians would rightfully condemn, was decided in a 7-2 majority decision, and 6 of those Justices were Conservative!! SIX!!! Even SCOTUS’s most recent decision to block the Louisiana abortion law is a 5/4 split, w/ Conservative Justice Roberts joining liberal Justices!! Nope. Our hope is not in SCOTUS or Presidents or Congress or Senate or laws, themselves, or even America, that shining city on the hill. I’m patriotic. I love America. I’m a good citizen who obeys the law, and I try to cast God-honoring votes. But ultimately my only citizenship–the one that counts eternally, is this: “But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, if the one given to me (Phil 3:20).” That is it! My hope is NOT in Politics but in the Prince of Peace, the Savior of my soul. There is really no other hope for this life and the next!
Tx so much for sharing!!
Fondly
Lynn
Amen, Lisa! Let us all be mindful of others and value their perspectives. There is hope!
Blessings!
I have to remind myself to not give up hope. 🙂 Thanks for your optimism, Martha!
Great blog! I really enjoyed it and I agree with you, let’s have a discussion when it comes to politics, not an argument! Visiting from the Senior Salon Blog Hop, have a great week.
-The Hungry Mountaineer
Thanks, Amber. Having discussions, not arguments, is great advice across the board for any topic! Hope you have a great week too.
I had a conversation with a friend who is on the opposite end of the political spectrum and when it wrapped up I told my husband there is no longer any middle ground. We were so very far apart in our thinking, both of us Christians with that in common, but wow, so different in how it should play out in government. I think political middle ground, while once prevalent is now very difficult to find. I wish that weren’t so.
I wish it weren’t this way too, Joyce. It’s a crazy world. It does feel hard to find middle ground and can be so discouraging. I often have to remember that while different sides have very different strategies, if I look deep enough, I might can find similar values. In the end, everyone wants to be happy, healthy, free, etc. We just have different expectations for how to meet those needs.
Lisa, this could not have been a more timely post if I had contacted you and asked you to post it! Seriously! I needed to hear the message that you’ve shared today because of an email that I received yesterday regarding politics. I’ve not responded to it yet because I don’t want to just “react” but I’m still praying as to whether I need to respond at all. As Beth and Sarah said, I’m part of something much bigger than one election, one vote and one law.
I’m glad this message hit you at just the right time, Dianna! It wasn’t the post I had planned on reposting for today, but after I read it again over the weekend, it was one that I needed now too. I originally posted it before the 2020 election cycle, and here we are again, as divided as ever. I know you’ll make the right decision on if/how you respond to the email you received, and you will do so with KINDNESS because that is who you are. 🙂
Politics is really a great divider. Families, friends, colleagues. Especially nowadays. I miss those days when we can agree to disagree. Now, people force you to see things their way.