still divided

The presidential election on November 4, 2008 was an historic event for our nation. Given our painful history, an African-American president-elect is a step in the direction of reconciliation. Yet we cannot ignore the deep divide that still exists not only in our nation but in the Church. We hear some believers as they express excitement about a president-elect who is decidedly against unnecessary war and believes we are not doing enough to address poverty in our nation and a broken health care system. At the same time, there are other believers who see a president-elect Obama as a sign the end is near. They believe his tax plan hints of socialism and his ethical views are sinful. Make no mistake: we are deeply divided, and this divide goes beyond race.

As believers, or in a more general sense, as human beings, I fear we have lost our sense of humility and our tolerance for ambiguity. Without hesitation we promote our opinions as if they were not frail human creations but absolute truths from God. It is a sad time when we cannot or will not admit we do not know all that we claim to know with any certainty. No matter where we fall on these issues or for whom we voted on November 4, we have to be willing to admit that we are not as “right” as we think we are. Too often, it is this attitude of certainty that alienates our brothers and sisters who believe differently. Until we are willing to reach across the aisles of the church and dialog with those who follow the same Jesus but supported different candidates, we will continue to perpetuate the great divide that says, “I’m right and you’re wrong and I will treat you poorly because of it.” Now is a time for a humility that admits human weakness and a perfect love that casts out fear of one another.