Politics, football (& religion)

       

It’s often said that politics and religion are two topics best left alone.  In the Deep South, few things are more beloved or hotly contested than religion, politics, and football.  In fact, football IS a religion to some with politics a close runner up. 

 

But here's my suggestion. Support your candidate without attacking the character of the other person running for office. Cheer for your favorite team without trash-talking the competition.  Promote your political party or personal beliefs without degrading those of others.

 

After perhaps the most contentious campaign in U. S. history, the presidential election is just days away.  I wonder how many others are weary of the name calling, mud-slinging, and back stabbing that modern politics have become? Attack ads, rude interruptions, distortions and outright lies are commonplace in the race for President of the United States, the most powerful and one of the most distinguished positions in the world.

 

Politics in our nation have devolved to the lowest form of competition. Rather than running on a record or promoting new ideas and plans, candidates at all levels employ negative ads and character assassination to win elections. At a time when our nation needs true leadership that is selfless and positive, political rhetoric has reached an all-time low. But the trash talk doesn't end with politics.

 

Sports fans are not content to simply cheer for their team. Allegiance to a particular school or team has also sunk to new depths as fans try to boost their team's credibility by verbally destroying the competition.  Those who do this feel the need to tear down their competitors in an effort to elevate themselves. This negativity often leads to ugly confrontations, mean spirited accusations, and downright hatefulness.

 

There are those who employ this same tactic to promote their team, personal ideas, religious beliefs, political views, or other agendas. But behaving like a school yard bully should not be accepted or glorified, whether it's in the political arena, a football stadium, or through social media. Attacking and belittling the beliefs and allegiances of others just because they differ from your own is social bullying.  It is alive and well in our country and is one of the most insidious forms of persecution and discrimination.   The attidtude seems to be:  If you don't agree with me, you must be ______.  (Fill in the blank.)

 

All this makes me wonder… what would Jesus do if He were here today? Somehow I don’t think he would be trash- talking the opposing team. I don’t believe he would humiliate or demean those who supported a different candidate for public office. Jesus convicted his detractors without stooping to petty name-calling.

 

So here’s a little test. As you read the following questions, mentally fill in the blanks. Your answers should reveal something about your attitude.

 

1.) What is your favorite sports team? ____________. Who is their biggest rival?___________. What word would you use to describe the rival team? ___________.

2.) I support ___________ for President of the U. S. When I think of the other candidate, the word(s) that come to mind are _____________________________________________.

 

I challenge all of us to dial down the rhetoric, cool the smack talk, and take a deep breath before posting that snide comment or making a sarcastic comeback. Support your candidate, cheer for your team - just don't do it at the expense of another.

 

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things."   Philippians 4:8