As the Rev. Dr. Anthony Bateza “careens through middle age,” he finds himself increasingly checking his memories about the past. “There’s a tendency, I think, to automatically think that the time right now is radically different than times in the past,” he shared in a recent episode of the Pivot Podcast.
This reflection led Anthony to an important realization: while our current moment feels uniquely challenging, America has faced similar – and even more difficult – times throughout its history.
From the American Revolution to the Civil War, from Reconstruction to the Civil Rights Movement, the United States has grappled with deep divisions and conflicts before. This historical context, Anthony argues, can provide a grounding reality check for church leaders and congregants alike as they navigate the turbulent waters of faith and politics in today’s world.
In this thought-provoking conversation with hosts Dr. Alicia Granholm and the Rev. Dr. Dwight Zscheile, Anthony, an associate professor of religion at St. Olaf College and a specialist in Martin Luther’s political theology, offered valuable insights on how churches can navigate the intersection of faith and politics during this tumultuous election season.
The Challenge of Affective Polarization
While acknowledging the historical precedents for political tension, Anthony highlighted a unique aspect of our current climate: affective polarization. He defined it as going beyond mere disagreement or tension—something that has always existed in politics—to viewing the other side as “enemies” who are either malicious, stupid, or both.
He explained, “By and large, we feel much more strongly, much more quickly, about folks who we detect or believe are on the other side of an issue, and we’re eager to somehow defeat, expel, or protect ourselves from those people.”
This level of polarization, he argued, makes it increasingly difficult for churches to be spaces of reconciliation and understanding. It challenges our ability to see the humanity in those with whom we disagree, a core tenet of Christian teaching. As we navigate these turbulent waters, Anthony suggested that churches have a unique opportunity – and responsibility – to model a different way of engaging across political divides.
Fostering Trust Through Ongoing Dialogue
Anthony stressed the importance of building trust within congregations long before election seasons heat up. He suggested that churches should be “places where people hopefully have earned and can sustain a little more trust than they can in the comment section on social media.”
By creating spaces for ongoing conversations about challenging topics, churches can lay the groundwork for more productive political discussions when tensions rise. This approach requires intentionality and consistency. It’s not about hosting a single forum on a hot-button issue, but rather cultivating a culture of open, respectful dialogue over time.
Anthony emphasized that this trust-building process is crucial for navigating the heightened emotions of election seasons. When congregation members have practice engaging in difficult conversations with one another, they’re better equipped to maintain relationships even when political disagreements arise. This foundation of trust can help prevent the community from fracturing along political lines.
Focus on Local Issues
Rather than getting caught up in national partisan debates, Anthony encouraged churches to focus on local issues that directly impact their communities. He gave the example of examining housing prices in a specific neighborhood, saying, “Sometimes just putting your finger on one thing can be enough” to spark meaningful engagement and action.
This local focus serves multiple purposes. First, it grounds political engagement in tangible, immediate concerns that affect people’s daily lives. This can make political discussions feel more relevant and less abstract. Second, local issues often provide more opportunities for direct action and impact, which can be empowering for congregation members.
Moreover, focusing on local issues can help bridge political divides. When people work together on concrete problems in their community, they often find common ground that transcends partisan labels. This approach aligns with the church’s mission to be salt and light in its immediate context, fostering a sense of shared purpose among diverse congregation members.
Use Scripture Creatively and Contextually
When it comes to using Scripture in political discussions, Anthony advocates for an approach that embraces multiple interpretations and perspectives. He shared Luther’s practice of exploring various possible meanings of biblical texts, encouraging church leaders to “wrestle with scripture, not to give…one reading that is right and one that is wrong,” but to pose questions that will challenge pre-existing assumptions.
This approach can help congregations see familiar stories in a new light and more effectively apply biblical wisdom to contemporary challenges. Anthony gave the example of reading the story of Ruth alongside the book of Ezra, exploring how these texts might speak to issues of immigration and cultural identity in different ways.
Avoid the Pitfall of Defining Christian Love Too Narrowly
Anthony cautioned against the tendency to define Christian love in ways that separate it entirely from other forms of love and sacrifice seen in the world. He argued that too narrow a definition of love can lead to an unhealthy focus on suffering as a measure of faithfulness, potentially overlooking the importance of advocating for justice and positive change.
He gave Luther’s response to the German Peasants’ War as an example, where an emphasis on suffering and self-sacrifice was used to critique those seeking economic justice. Instead, Anthony encouraged a broader understanding of Christian love that encompasses both personal sacrifice and active engagement in social and political issues.
Embrace a Larger Sense of Time and Purpose
Anthony reminded church leaders to maintain a broader perspective on their work and impact. He emphasized that the church’s mission extends beyond any single election cycle or political moment. An eternal perspective can help leaders and congregations avoid using ethics or morality as weapons in short-term battles, and focus instead on long-term faithfulness and community-building.
This broader view can be particularly helpful in managing the intense emotions that often accompany political engagement. By remembering that the church’s witness extends far beyond any single election or policy debate, leaders can help their congregations maintain perspective and avoid becoming consumed by short-term political victories or defeats.
Finding Hope in Challenging Times
Finally, Anthony encouraged church leaders who may be feeling overwhelmed. He stressed the importance of vulnerability and open communication with congregations. “Sometimes it’s okay to be open about your own fears, your own worries,” he said. “Let others build you back up and give you their own stories of hope.”
He also reminded leaders that much of what happens in a church community is beyond their control – both the challenges and the unexpected blessings. By recognizing this reality and trusting in God’s work through the entire community, leaders can find renewed hope and energy for their ministry.
Interested in hearing more from Anthony? Hoping to learn how to navigate a politically charged contentious environment with wisdom, grace, and faith? Check out the Faith+Lead Academy course, Positions: Thinking Theologically About Politics.
