Partisan

Jesus disrupts all my partisan inclinations. Allegiances born of partisanship are governed by emotional attachment which is why a great many people can’t talk about politics without getting upset. Best friends from childhood don’t dare talk about the pressing, urgent issues of the day because they fear (many are not sure) that they might disagree on matters of politics. Likewise best friends from childhood and family members alike avoid talking about the pressing issues of the day because they know that they disagree and they are so emotionally immature that they can’t navigate the territory of disagreement and maintain the bonds of love and affection at the same time. I am sorry if that last sentence stung or seemed too rough, but it is my lived experience. If it’s not true for you, then you are exceedingly fortunate. Our brothers and sisters who hold political power often use our fear to their advantage and pit us against each other in order to win votes. We allow this behavior because…well, in truth, I don’t know why we allow it. It’s just the way we’ve always done it. 

I have long known with great certainty that my friends and neighbors whose center of gravity is in the conservative or traditional territory have really important gifts and perspectives to bring to the party.

I have also long known with great certainty that my friends and neighbors whose center of gravity is the liberal or progressive territory have really important gifts and perspectives to bring to the party.

I have also long known with great certainty that each has, to be frank, a devastating and disastrous shadow side that can dim the lights at the party.

I know these things with great certainty because I have the gifts and shadows of all these territories operating in me.

All this truth excites me because it reminds me that friction is a hallmark of evolution making progress possible, and we are but beloved and noble adventurers participating in what one teacher calls the “universal becoming” that has been going on for 13.8 billion years. Our task is not to be right and win, that’s a path that leads to a cul-de-sac of despair. Our vocation as the cutting edge of consciousness is to participate lovingly in the ongoing creation tilling the garden so that all God’s children can grow and be healthy.

So, many years ago I took the easy way out. I sold my soul to Jesus. Now, before you roll your eyes and walk away, that doesn’t mean I am special or particularly pious or good. I am none of these things. Not even close. Nor does it mean that I am right. Far from it. What it means is that all the time and energy I might spend on a partisan position is taken up with Jesus' too rigid rules for my life.

There are many, but these few disqualify me from the partisan cage match:

I am not allowed to sustain an angry stance toward anyone

I am not allowed to insult anyone

If I call someone a fool I can’t rest until I reconcile with that person

I have to bless and be kind to people who are mean to me or don’t like me

I can only pledge allegiance to God

And

I am not allowed to hate anyone or threaten anyone ever.

You can see why I can’t fight with you about politics, nor can I get down with the current practice of politics. It’s a game I am not allowed to play. 

I am however free to talk with anyone about anything, and I don’t have to get upset when we see things differently. I am free to be curious about your perspective and how it differs from mine. I am free to laugh and smile. I am free to be kind and compassionate toward everyone including politicians who use my fear against me.

I am free to be a prisoner of hope who has sold his soul to Jesus and the idealistic belief that if we do not have love we are nothing.