Bearing with One Another: Politics in an Age of Division and Difference

We live in an age of increasing divisiveness where difference is weaponised to pull us apart. Whether politics is a cause or effect is unclear, but whatever the relationship between the two, democratic politics characterised by civility is often perceived as a barrier to attaining the good life.

President Trump survived a recent assassination attempt, Christian nationalism is an increasingly powerful political force alongside other extreme political ideologies and the recent UK General Election was marked by false claims, threats, intimidation and even violence. In view of these undercurrents, Christians must choose to “be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love” (Eph 4:2). This may seem weak, ineffective, and idealistic, but it is the cornerstone of our public witness.

Bearing with one another is the antidote Christians offer amidst a politics of division. It implies a refusal to see difference as a problem and instead seeing difference as an important part of God’s creation, as something to be celebrated, and as a glimpse of the new heaven and earth to come. This doesn’t mean we ignore areas of disagreement. Rather, it involves confronting difference in healthy ways as we seek to understand where we can live with disagreement and where we must seek unity. We do this because, in the midst of our diversity, we share the image of our Creator. In “the other” we see not an estranged enemy but a reflection of the divine. We also see the mirror of our own sin and brokenness. My political opponent is no better or worse than I am. Jesus died for both of us.

Bearing with one another comes with humility and generosity born of self-awareness and a robust doctrine of common grace. After all, to suggest that any group has a monopoly on truth and wisdom is theologically and empirically bankrupt. Just consider how the book of Proverbs ends with wisdom from a non-Israelite king and his mother (Prov 31:1). Regaining a proper perspective of common grace should lead to virtues that create the space for others to present their arguments; and should teach us to listen respectfully and seek to understand those of different viewpoints, willing to concede when we are wrong and others are right.

This is an apt description of healthy pluralism. Unfortunately, many evangelicals consider pluralism a “sell-out” rather than a means of loving my neighbour. Writers such as Teresa Bejan have explored the complexities of pluralism, asking whether there can be “too much” diversity and difference for pluralism to function, and the limitations of toleration if there are no shared values or beliefs. Such questions are increasingly relevant as our society becomes more diverse and holds less in common.¹ But these must be seen as challenges to overcome not insurmountable barriers. It is not easy. John Stott once wrote that “every Christian should be both conservative and radical; conservative in preserving the faith and radical in applying it.”² We find these words hard work, but they will be key to confident, healthy political engagement.

Politics should be about navigating difference, not wishing it away; about reaching agreement for the public good; about using power, not to dominate, but to pursue justice and the flourishing of others. You could even say politics is about bearing with one another in love. This is the Christian and Christ-like way of doing politics.

Ross Hendry is CEO of the social policy charity CARE (Christian Action Research and Education).