We Need a Revival of Civil Discourse

Civil discourse has been eroded by an unrelenting stream of anger and an almost religious insistence on our rights. Sadly, this is occurring in the church and if society is going to return to the standard of civility, it must start in the church.

Social media is awash in anger and the free expression of every emotion. Christians are joining in the free for all. Surely it makes Jesus mourn as he sees his children bicker, slander and express ‘righteous’ indignation at every possible offense.

Two scriptures should govern the return to civil discourse within the church and with every relationship and interaction outside the church.

Peacemaking

There is no shortage of scriptures that call on us to be peacemakers. Jesus said peacemakers will be called the sons of God. Paul said:

If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Romans 12:18 (ESV)

This means we bring the peace of God into every interaction and relationship. We should recognize that what we say and how we say it can either inflame a volatile situation or calm it. When we are aware of conflict and anger in our culture, we should only say those things which calm the storm. Sadly, I see many people who call themselves Christians piling fuel on the fire. While they may be speaking the truth, are they speaking the truth in love?

Always having to make a point is frequently the enemy of living peaceably with all.

Being emotionally invested in a certain issue or controversy is a huge disadvantage when trying to be a peacemaker. We will certainly have opinions but if our goal is to nurture civil discourse and our hope is to be a peacemaker, we must learn to control our emotions and our verbal and written expressions.

Reconciliation

The second scripture reminds us of one of our responsibilities is the ministry of reconciliation.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. 2 Corinthians 5:17–19 (ESV)

We cannot be active in our ministry of reconciliation if we are at enmity with those we are seeking to reconcile with Christ! Isn’t that obvious?

Yet, I witness daily followers of Jesus building ever higher the barriers that separate us from those who don’t know Jesus. We must be able to engage in civil discourse with those in the world whose values are at odds with ours if we are to be effective in this ministry of reconciliation.

Civil discourse primer

If we take seriously the call to be peacemakers and reconcilers, we will change how we think and what we say. Civil discourse depends on it. This means we are serious about listening to others, especially those with whom we disagree.

We listen to understand. We listen to conversations, experiences and circumstances. Understanding means that we begin to comprehend why people think and believe the way they do. Generally, everyone has a rational explanation for what they believe and how they think. While we may think they’re crazy, they may think the same of us! What makes perfect sense to us makes no sense to them. What makes perfect sense to them makes no sense to us. Such is the normal way of human experience.

To engage in civil discourse means we know that human experience leads us to different conclusions and convictions.

When we take the time to listen, there is a good chance that it will be reciprocated. When we fully understand, then we are better equipped to communicate what we believe. And, following the edicts of scripture, we will be able to speak the truth, with love.

If civil discourse is to return to the culture, it must first return to the church. We have the guidance and mandate of scripture. When we are fully obedient to God, civil discourse will return, and a great mass of uncivil discourse will disappear from the cultural conversation. An unwillingness to engage in civil discourse is an unwillingness to be obedient to God.

Your turn

What will you do to be a peacemaker, to embrace the ministry of reconciliation, to listen? This is our call and our chance to profoundly influence our culture in a positive and constructive way. What will you do?