This week on Facebook I read a couple of things that many of us have come to ignore. One word came from someone whom I do not not know, but I suspect we agree on some things because of the page where he posted it. He called liberal supreme court nominees, “marxists.” The other was written by a friend for whom I have great respect. He called Democrats, “fascists.” These are serious mistakes, however much we disagree with others.
First, this is intellectually wrong. Calling most American politicians Marxists or Fascists ignores the seriousness of those ungodly doctrines. It also fails to explain why we do not agree with what our political opponents do believe. Some of those who hear us say such things will listen to what they say and conclude that whatever we say comes out of ignorance.
This is also a strategic mistake. If we would approach people with whom we disagree with intellectual consideration, we would persuade them on many issues. We are still a democracy where we can talk and persuade others. If we do not respectfully seek to persuade one another, we will lose our country.
And this is morally wrong. I am most concerned about this behavior among those I agree with, but I recognize that it is two sided. I regularly heard Republicans defend their actions by saying, “The Democrats did it when they were in power.” It baffles me when I hear people defend mimicking the behavior of those who hold political position they believe to be evil. Wouldn't it be better in the long run to say, “Our integrity keeps us from doing that.” Even if hateful speech increases our political power, it displeases God. In Matthew 12:34 Jesus said, “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” When we use vile language about our enemies we cultivate the evil in our hearts. When evil is allowed to grow in our hearts it will inevitably turn into violent action. Eventually we will cease to object to violence against those we hate.
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