The latest column for The Tahlequah Christian, written for the week of April 11-17.

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These past few weeks and months have been interesting on the political scene. The national picture has witnessed massive legislative and foreign policy shifts that will likely mark significant changes in how we understand ourselves as a nation. And while this may turn out to be a good thing, in the short run it may leave us feeling uncertain, unsettled, and perhaps even confused. For some, this is already the case, and the results have become chaotic.

The recent reports of violence should be quite disturbing to us as Christians. Vandalism of congressional offices and private homes – even a potential anthrax threat to a U.S. Representative – mark a rise in what can only be described as hateful acts. While I am sympathetic to the idea that many people have great concerns about the changing political landscape (meaning most specifically health care reform), I find myself in disbelief every time I turn to the news and receive yet another report of violence in response to a Congressional bill.

All of this has only served to turn me back to my bible and reread the words and stories of Jesus. I’m reminded of that great commandment, where Jesus reminds us to love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength – and the equally important second part, to love neighbor as self. It seems that this should speak with clarity to the present situation: we’re not always going to agree, but we are all children of God, and we need to recognize that in one another.

However, as I was contemplating this even further, I was struck by another aspect of Jesus – his numerous associations with tax collectors. There are perhaps no better examples of someone becoming that dreaded “other” than a fellow Hebrew who would “turn traitor” and work for the Roman occupational government. Yet even here, Jesus defied the going discourse of distrust and made friends with tax collectors. (Matthew and Zaccheus come quickly to mind.)

It occurs to me that we are in a period of cultural instability and political change, and this is becoming uncomfortable for everyone, both for and against. And as a religious leader, I’m reminded on a daily basis that this climate of hostility and sometimes even hatred calls for us as Christians to live out our faith principles even as we live out our political principles. We don’t all have to agree with one another about health care, or immigration reform, or whatever the issue of the day may be, but we are called to disagree with one another in a manner that respects our common dignity and humanity.

Living the hope of resurrection,

Clint