With the amount of turmoil that’s typically associated with political conversation and engagement, it can be very tempting to look for a reprieve. Every issue truly is connected to the common good that we’re called to work toward. But when every conversation turns into a politically charged exchange, it’s quite tempting to demand that others stop being so political all the time. While tempting, however, what is really behind our wish that others don’t be so political?
In this episode of Persuasion, Erin Straza and Hannah Anderson continue with the For God and Country series. Each episode will tackle an aspect of how faith and politics collide. This conversation includes Kathryn Freeman, who is a fellow Christ and Pop Culture writer and co-host of Melanated Faith podcast. Kathryn’s law background in public policy and current graduate work at Baylor University’s Truett Seminary provide excellent insight into our wish for others to stop making every issue a political issue. The discussion covers not only the way we want to monitor and control our personal conversations but also the conversations we hear from celebrities and public figures. Our consumer mentality wrongly gives us the sense that we can demand words or silence from entertainers, as if they are a mere commodity rather than fully formed beings who are a vital part of creating the common good. Much of what motivates our demand for others to keep quiet on political issues stems from a need to control the conversation. Whoever has the social power tends to assume they can decide who can speak and under what circumstances. Can we set aside discomfort to truly listen and engage to differing political opinions? What if we welcome political conversation rather than attempt to shut it down? Can we break down our demands that public figures merely perform and entertain? Listen in for dialogue on questions like these as we learn to think more clearly about the intersection of faith and politics. Then continue the conversation on Twitter @PersuasionCAPC or in the CAPC members-only community on Facebook.
This episode of Persuasion is sponsored in part by LifeWay’s Christian Standard Bible, a translation that presents the truth of God’s Word with accuracy and clarity. The CSB equips today’s readers for lifelong discipleship with hundreds of designs to choose from at CSBible.com.
HOSTS
Erin Straza: Web / Twitter
Hannah Anderson: Web / Twitter
PERSUASION PODCAST
PersuasionPodcast.buzz
Twitter: @PersuasionCAPC
Instagram: @PersuasionCAPC
Facebook: /Persuasioncapc
PERSUASION 204 RESOURCES & LINKS
Kathryn Freeman: Web / Twitter: @KathrynAnnette
Did you enjoy this episode of Persuasion? Give the entire series a listen:
Persuasion 200 | For God and Country? with Kaitlyn Schiess
Persuasion 201 | Taking America Back for God
Persuasion 202 | Toeing the Party Line
Persuasion 203 | Just Preach the Gospel
Theme music by Maiden Name.