A WORLD THAT REFLECTS INCREASING ANXIETY NEEDS CLEAR AND DIALOGICAL THINKING

For the past seven months I have been serving as an intentional interim pastor. During that time I have observed increasing anxiety among church people, both for their church and for what is happening in the world. In terms of the church there is chronic concern about change needed in order to be a relevant church today with a sustaining membership. In the world there has been two large terrorist attacks on Western soil (Paris and Brussels), several killing sprees on American soil (particularly San Bernardino), and presidential primaries that display the polarization of the American people. Particularly distressing is a Republican primary that has descended into single-minded thinking and name calling. What is needed more than anything are specific plans for leadership that are rationally based, that would calm anxiety, and aid voters in determining the best candidate for leadership.

For me the increased anxiety is of greatest concern. Dr. Murray Bowen and followers of his BFST theory (Bowen Family Systems Theory) have posited that our society is regressing. " A nation can go into regression, just as family does, and a nation can pull out in predictable ways." (Kerr and Bowen, Family Evaluation, p. 384) When one observes what is going on today, one has a tendency to agree to that proposition. To even think that a person such as Donald Trump could be holding the future of the world in his hands singly increases our anxiety. The quick fix mentality of gullible people to look to Trump to alleviate their anxiety by "bullying the world" is mind-boggling. On the other side Bernie Sanders is putting forth principles that have long been outside of the mainstream of American politics, but being backed by many people. Even though candidates in both presidential parties have debates, there is little clarifying dialogue that goes on between the candidates.

What are we as citizens and Christians supposed to do in the midst of all of this? First, there needs to be a call to civility. Even though we are a nation of less than two hundred and fifty years we have prided ourselves in being a free nations, respecting the opinions of all. We need to exercise our respect for one another, including our families, our faith, and our country.

Second, we need to bind anxieties in the world by calling attention to the largely rational and ethical way in which we have approached government during the past seven years. The Obama administration has been a reflection of our leader, not getting too caught up in quick-fix answers in what will be an ongoing time with the reality of terrorism in our midst. His leadership may be a model for our choice of a successor.

Third, as Christians we need to practice what we preach. We are to love our neighbors as ourselves. We are to seek to bridge the great divides in our families, churches, and the world. We are to be "peacemakers."

Quelling the anxieties of these times is not going to be easy. If we make it our goal to find commonality, while practicing Christian respect, we will find the path to get beyond the polarization of our times to the basic principles on which Christian citizens stand. Then I trust we will elect a leader whom we can respect and follow.