Tom Ehrich: Faith grows forward

From Springfield IL-

A church conference here was a stark contrast to rage-filled political conventions taking place elsewhere.

Facing the same economic frustrations and cultural worries, and a grinding internal “recession” in church membership, Episcopal leaders from southern Ohio gathered with enthusiasm about tomorrow, trust in their leaders and a palpable desire to make the necessary changes for better days.

By contrast, recent political gatherings have dissolved in rage, calls for anti-government violence, a rush to arms and a surge in intolerance toward any views but their own.

Same conditions. Same angst. Same sense of disarray. And yet such different responses. One is filled with courage and grace; the other with fear and vitriol.

If you ever wondered why it matters that we nurture healthy faith communities, here was a powerful sign.

The political arena has become toxic, paralyzed and polarized by angry partisanship and weak politicians whose only goal is to prolong their incumbency.

It was shocking to hear politicians urging conservatives at recent meetings to take arms against their own government, as if violence held an answer to citizens’ worries. Where can such irresponsible demagoguery lead except to more incidents like the angry taxpayer in Texas who flew an airplane into the local IRS office?

More here-

http://www.sj-r.com/features/x1595500315/Tom-Ehrich-Faith-grows-forward