There are hot button issues out in the world, but we don't seek to reach a consensus with those on the other side. We seek to alienate, shame, mock, and humiliate them.
Sadly, there is this trend even in the American church.
"How can a *Democrat* be a *Christian*? They are supporting x, y, and z."
"How can a *Republican* be a *Christian*? They are supporting a, b, and c."
Democratic Christians care about helping the poor and seeing justice given out. These are Biblical desires.
Aren't you glad that God is liberal with his grace, mercy, and forgiveness?
Republican Christians care about being good stewards of riches and moral commandments. These are Biblical desires.
Aren't you glad that God is conservative with His judgment, wrath, and condemnation?
There is one God, one Church, one Body/Bride of Christ.
Many times, our identities are not rooted in our faith first, but in our political party, job, family, nationality, etc.
We are Democratic Christians, Republican Christians, <job> Christians, parent Christians, American Christians, <nationality> Christians.
What would happen if we listened, really listened, to the other side? Are we afraid that our belief in <whatever theme> is so weak that if we even *listen* to another perspective, we will change our minds? People want validation. They want to hear, "I may not agree with you, but I can see why you would reach that conclusion. I can see how a logical, rational person can believe the way you do." It's not signing up for their side, but it's treating them like a human being.
Do you see the other side as human beings?
Do you see them as brothers & sisters in Christ?
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