5 Things To Remember When Arguing About Politics

Samuel William Fores (fl. 1841), “The Famous Battle Between Richard Humphreys and Daniel Mendoza”
Samuel William Fores (fl. 1841), “The Famous Battle Between Richard Humphreys and Daniel Mendoza” (photo: Public Domain)

Whose idea was it that the Summer Olympics and American presidential elections always occur within the same year? I mean, it’s like one, long non-stop sequence of people simple playing games from early August through early November, and there are reliably more participants who lose than those who win.*

Just kidding.

Daily, now, I see friends finally making the plunge and “coming out” to tell others who they are voting for. It’s great – what an American thing – to be happy and free to support whom you want to support. I have been to and lived in countries that don’t have a choice and if they do, it’s highly limited and they life in such a state of fear that they don’t ever discuss it.

Then why do so many Americans let politics divide us?

We’ve heard all the poplar saying of our day: “Never discuss politics or religion in polite company” but we don’t really believe that, do we? Of course not! It’s that season, though, where people are unfriending each other, acting like they can’t get along unless they agree to every iota of detail.

There’s the other side telling us how important politics are:

“In politics stupidity is not a handicap.” Napoleon Bonaparte

“Let us not seek the Republican answer or the Democratic answer, but the right answer. Let us not see to fix the blame for the past. Let use accept our own responsibility for the future.” John F. Kennedy

“The hottest place in Hell is reserved for those who remain neutral in times of great moral conflict.” Martin Luther King, Jr.

“Always vote for principle, though you may vote alone, and you may cherish the sweetest reflection that you vote is never lost.” John Quincy Adams

Then there’s the side who believe all politicians are corrupt and ignorant:

“Suppose you were an idiot. And suppose you were a member of Congress. But then I repeat myself.” Mark Twain

“People say satire is dead. It’s not dead; it’s alive and living in the White House.” Robin Williams

Even many Catholic believe this, but do they know that many politicians went on to become ridiculously inspirational saints

Still, why are politics such a divisive issue, turning Catholic against Catholic? Blogger against blogger? Voter against Bishop? Friend against friend?

I think it can be put like this:

The way each person sees it is twofold: they believe that politics affect their civil liberties and human freedoms; and, they believe they are correct in facts and in discernment. It's difficult because when someone disagrees with us about politics—because it affects civil liberties and human freedoms—we believe that that person's opinion alone can harm us.

The first sentiment—that politics affect civil liberties and human freedoms—is correct. The way we vote has a definite impact on our way of life, the liberties we take for granted, and the laws protecting our freedoms and consciences. I was taught growing up that the constitution is bulletproof but I have seen decisions and laws upheld since becoming an adult that make me believe I am watching poorly scripted reality television or an episode of Are You Smarter Than A Third Grader? The first sentiment is definitely correct: politics affects us both personally and communally.

The second sentiment—we each believe we are correct in facts and discernment—is much more difficult to unravel. In a sense, it is true, because what we are voting for are solutions to today’s biggest problems, and policy that will preserve the parts of that are life so delicate to us. Unlike empirical facts, policy has room for subjective judgement. On the other hand, too, there is no subjection to the cases of morality and natural law. As St. Thomas Aquinas would say, truth exists when the mind conforms to the reality of the thing (see Part 1, Question 16, Article 1). He would also tell us, concerning civil politics, that no human law can be truly binding on man if it first defies the natural law (see Part 2, Question 95, Article 2). Augustine puts it this way: “that which is not just seems to be no law at all.” It’s problematic because we have to apply the immutable natural and moral law to subjective solutions.

So we’re left to inform our consciences, all the while ensuring our passions do not overcome the truths we learn, and discern with our personal experience what is best for us, our families, and our country. There’s definitely going to be disagreement, but the way which we disagree has serious room for improvement. We don’t have to sever every artery because we suspect infection. We don’t have to burn every bridge because there is one knot untied.

When someone does disagree with us there’s a few time-tested actions we should take:

1. Talk about it. This seems obvious but so many people don’t even consider it. I’m imagining the hilarious scene on Downton Abbey where Cora Crawley tells her husband who doesn’t want his granddaughter to be baptized, “Are you afraid he’s going to convert you while you’re not looking?” Don’t be afraid to discuss life’s most important issues.

2. Pursue understanding. Civil dialogue is as old as mankind. The revolutionary ideas forwarded by the Greeks came from the streets, literally. Socrates was known, daily, to welcome discussions and debate regarding a multitude of topics, including the one that led many to persecute him: the belief in a single God. Like the first Christians, this was taken as atheism. The point here is, understanding comes from challenging ideas and regular inquiry.

3. Be clear. No just on your facts but on your intentions. If you want to simply talk and inquire, say so. But if you want to convince a person of your case, then you should also make that clear. Why do this? Because it allays the fear that an ulterior motive is in play. Maintain your integrity and don’t mince words.

4. Show (and have) respect. This is one that several people don’t get. It does not mean that you should “agree to disagree”. Nobody agrees to disagree! There is no virtue is respecting someone abusing or maligning of the moral or natural law. Being respectful means listening, engaging, and upholding your own dignity and theirs: “And as you wish that men would do to you, do so to them.” (Luke 6:31, RSVCE)

5. Know when to stop. Plain and simple. Remember, you are ambassadors for Christ! (2 Corinthians 5:20) What people see in you, they will see of Him! Be reconciled to Christ before you attempt to reconcile politics.

These are just four suggestions to having better dialogue when discussing politics. Whatever the reason, whatever the underlying cause, politics are certainly important. But the interactions we have need to shape up if we’re ever going to survive the storm ahead. And both sides agree the storm is coming! Do you think if you were a convert on your way to the Catholic Church and took a look at one combox and saw the infighting between rival bloggers or Catholics that you would get a good impression of what you’re in for? Are your friends watching you post about Mass every Sunday but you curse and rebuke every disagreeing person that enters your life?

*I got this quote and idea from Justin Vanlee McClain. I loved it.