I can’t say I have ever seen a time in the U.S. when people have been so absolutely polarized. Yes, there have always been differences on political issues and some have divided the nation (e.g., the Civil War); but, what we seem to be experiencing is a social rift on so many levels. It seems as though we are dominated by our extreme differences and blinded to those things that unite us.
For many, there seems to be only two possible options: passivity or aggression. We can be permissive and allow the world around us to “go to hell”, or we can be angry and force our way on the world. These are the way of the world. I am right; you are wrong. Period.
Where does this leave us, though? It leaves us bitter and further divided. It also leaves a lot of innocent people hurt in the process.
Could there be another way? I believe so. I believe this to be at the heart of my faith. As a follower of Christ, I not only believe it to be possible, but believe this is the core of the “love your neighbor like yourself” command. I believe the “third way” is the only way.
I was fortunate to have been taught by the controversial Rob Bell for my last two years in Michigan. In one particularly memorable message, he spoke on “turn the other cheek”. In the Sermon on the Mount, we are instructed to “turn the other cheek”, to “give up our tunic”, and to “walk the extra mile.” So, to be passive, right? No! To the point (because I could never make the point as eloquently as Rob Bell), we go above and beyond to make our opponent be totally embarrassed and ridiculed by our actions. I particularly liked his depiction of the Roman soldier commanding one to carry his pack. The soldiers could compel a citizen to carry his pack for one mile, no more. One could refuse. One could passively comply. Or, one could follow the third way—keep carrying the pack for two miles! The vision of the soldier pleading “No! Stop! P-l-e-a-s-e, stop!” was hilariously to the point.
We can have strong opinions about what matters in the world. We don’t have to be so divided, however. We don’t have to fight bloody battles over our principles. We don’t have to compromise our principles and morals. If we consider a third way, right will always win.
So, where do we stand on the polarized issue? What are our options? Considering that the first two options only seem to further divide us, what is the third way?
Carpe momento!