The Era of Uninhibited Belligerence

Yesterday, I listened to a radio talk show host make the claim that we are entering an era of uninhibited belligerence. In response, a caller pointed out that happened long ago. I concur. For some time now, the disappearance of civility has found expression in sermons, at town hall meetings, on radio talk shows, even on the floor of Congress -- where, historically, legislators, when they behaved themselves, held fast to objectivity.

So, why are people so angry and belligerent, and so willing to express their anger publicly?  Why has civil discourse become so uncivil?  What does this public anger say about our private faith?  What should we do about it?

There's a bumper sticker that reads, “Closed minds should come with closed mouths!”  What is it in our society that impedes the ability to put our mouths on pause?   There's no surprise here that the world will act and respond as it will.  But for Christian believers there exists what might be described as a kind of Christian irony.  It suggests, that if we wait --and pray-- instead of falling prey to anger, self-righteousness, and resentment, we would more readily find a solution -- not just to the anger and resentment, but also to the issue(s) that cause those feelings.

That may seem simplistic or naïve, but patience and compassion provide a proven approach to disagreements and even hotly-debated topics.  As Christians, we are to take Jesus’ Golden Rule to "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” seriously.  Why?  Because, when sincerely applied, it impels the person applying it to think less of themselves and more of others.  One salient reason incivility, hostility, and anger thrive in public discourse is because some feel the need to force their personal views on others.   Jesus' Golden Rule --simple as it is-- reverses this, because it helps to turn our thoughts away from iron-fistedly-held opinions and notions toward a patience and understanding that enables us to work together progressively and to communicate effectively.

Yet, in spite of their virtues, unselfish civility and patience may not be enough.  This is where, for the Christian, prayer comes in.  By that, I mean an approach to prayer that goes beyond pleading.  A prayer that affirms God’s power and love for all.  A prayer that affirms that God's hand is always at work, that God’s benevolent will is being done, despite all the evidence to the contrary.  I say this because, I’ve seen this kind of prayer stop arguments by opening imaginations to new possibilities, to new concepts previously unseen.  Prayer can transform stalemate into a spirited movement toward the common good.  While "patiently waiting on the Lord", hopeless situations can be healed -- and enemies turned into friends.

Considering all the unsolved disputes that come with the human experience (and the hard feelings that go with them) makes me wonder if prayer is the most forgotten, underutilized tool for negotiations -- especially when civility is lacking.  Abiding prayer may well be the antidote when there is an escalation of reactions.  And I would hope that anyone who is honestly looking for solutions to disagreements would welcome prayer to the table of discussion.  That is not an option within Church ranks. Who knows?  May-be the adage “all we can do now is pray” will soon become a first, rather than a last resort.

E. Taveirne