{"id":35413,"date":"2024-02-01T06:37:37","date_gmt":"2024-02-01T14:37:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.georgefox.edu\/dlgp\/?p=35413"},"modified":"2024-02-01T12:26:03","modified_gmt":"2024-02-01T20:26:03","slug":"obstacle-or-opportunity-is-it-really-just-about-politics","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.georgefox.edu\/dlgp\/obstacle-or-opportunity-is-it-really-just-about-politics\/","title":{"rendered":"Obstacle or Opportunity: Is it Really Just about Politics?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Most political conflicts have little to do with politics. They are rooted in more fundamental disputes about moral values, moral knowledge, the definition of the human being, and even metaphysics.[1]<\/strong><\/a> Matthew Petrusek <\/em><\/p>\n

Evangelization and Ideology: How to Understand and Respond to the Political Culture<\/em>, by Matthew R. Petrusek, is not a quick how to guide for engaging in respectful political discussions. It is a deep dive into how to argue with purpose. I generally avoid talking politics. It\u2019s an uncomfortable encounter for me at best, but when I find myself seemingly placed in a certain political camp without ever opening my mouth, I\u2019m a deer caught in the headlights. How do I respond when assumptions are made. Assumptions put everyone on the defensive. That is not a good space from which to engage important topics. I\u2019m rethinking my approach in light of this reading. I need to consider engaging in thoughtful interactions because ultimately human lives and souls are at stake. Considering that our political conflicts don\u2019t have as much to do with politics as we might think has me looking for what is unseen, maybe even listening for what is unspoken.<\/p>\n

What lies underneath the political conflicts? Are our socio-political ideologies and disagreements a smoke screen for deeper spiritual and existential questions about life, identity, and death? Aren\u2019t we all wanting answers to the same questions? Isn\u2019t that what the author is getting at and that the answer is found in Jesus? As I write I\u2019m reflecting on how often identity and the demand for human dignity which Francis Fukuyama raised, the ideology of identity synthesis discussed by Yascha Mounk, and the ideologies highlighted in this book come up with counseling clients and spiritual directees. Political tensions, a changing moral landscape, the uncertainties of life, and personal fears around social concerns are all opportunities to explore one\u2019s existence, theology, and relationship with God.<\/p>\n

Petrusek believes that \u201c\u2026the hyper-politicization of society constitutes an opportunity for evangelization rather than an obstacle.\u201d[2]<\/a> This encourages me to enter the conversation. I appreciate the invitation to consider that understanding and responding well to today\u2019s political culture is an opportunity to share the hope of the gospel. This approach allows politics and religion to stand in right relationship with one another, \u201cboth in service to God, and for authentic human good.\u201d[3]<\/a><\/p>\n

Petrusek goes on to assert the principles of Catholic social thought, which are grounded in moral absolutes and flexible in application, offers an alternative perspective to the ideological frameworks of Utilitarianism, Liberalism and Libertarianism, Progressivism, and Non-Theistic Conservatism.[4]<\/a> I don\u2019t pretend to understand all of the ideological underpinnings of these perspectives. However, they all seek resolution to the complex issues of how we live in harmony together, care for one another, and strive for the ideals (admittedly differing) of a perfect society. Am I willing to listen and engage? Am I willing to be flexible with my approach? Am I willing to forgo some discomfort to point to Jesus, the Word of life? Am I willing to offer a different moral perspective?<\/p>\n

For our fight is not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against rulers of the darkness of this world, and against spiritual forces of evil in heavenly places.<\/p>\n

Ephesians 6:12 MEV<\/p>\n

We are not fighting against people. The social concerns of our day and the injustices which prevail are valid. They call for a moral and Christ-centered response. Petrusek\u2019s useful comments regarding ideology helped clarify for me the danger of not engaging in the dialogue.<\/p>\n