Christian Mudslingers?



Eighty-three days and counting. That’s how long we must continue to endure the barrage of political campaign ads. 

I know political ads are a necessary evil, but why must these ads be so negative and pejorative? Why can’t candidates simply state their view on current issues without trying to assassinate the character and reputation of other candidates? Isn’t it enough to simply say, “I humbly disagree with my opponent?” Do candidates really have to attack each other in order to win an election? Is the prize of political office really worth wallowing in so much political mud?

Obviously, smear campaigns must be effective. That’s why they are so prevalent. I fear that elections are too often won not by the candidate who is most qualified but by the candidate who best survives the mudslinging. 

To add insult to injury, some of these mudslingers are intent on touting their religious preference, making sure voters know they are Christians; but when a Christian candidate chooses to berate and demean another candidate it makes me wonder about his or her understanding of Christianity. If I understand Scripture, the legitimacy of one’s religion is inextricably tied to the way one speaks of others; or as James, the brother of Jesus, states, “Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.” (James 1:26).

The Bible is perfectly clear about the nature of a Christian’s speech. In Titus 3:2, Paul reminds Christians “to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.” In Ephesians 3, Paul addresses acceptable Christian speech when he writes, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others . . .” And later in that same chapter Paul tells the Ephesians to “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.” These are but a few of the Biblical references that admonish Christians to legitimize their religion not by public pronouncement but by wholesome, civil speech.

When I was growing up, civil servants who were most admired were often called statesmen (or stateswomen). They spoke of others with grace and restraint, carefully stating their viewpoints without an attempt to offend.  Seemingly, there is a difference between politicians and statesmen. According to Simple English Wikipedia “. . . a statesman is the opposite of a politician.  Politicians are thought of as people who will say or do anything to get elected or to gain power. A statesman is someone who does everything for the common good of the people he or she represents.” Oh, how I long for those days of statesmanship.

Eighty-three days and counting – and hoping - hoping to discover Christians whose faith becomes apparent not by their public pronouncements but by the civility and grace with which they conduct their campaigns.