Editor’s note: During this election season, when our political life in the United States seems especially contentious, Friends United Meeting has invited a variety of Friends to share their thoughts on how to navigate as a Quaker through these divided times. Our first installment is by Bill Eagles, of North Carolina Fellowship of Friends.
Leap Year. The Olympics. Elections.
Every four years things seem different. There is an extra day somehow in the dead of winter. Really, what’s that about? We’re then told (over and over) that the Olympics are about the athletes and a spirit of internationalism. Yet, the internationalism that is touted turns to nationalism very quickly as we chant “USA” for those athletes we imagine are most like us.
Being a Friend may be most challenged by the elections. We’re challenged in how we treat our friends, define the candidates, and decide to vote. Fortunately, we can find some guidance in our Quaker life.People are more than a collection of their political opinions. We aspire to respond to that of God within others, trying to not let their difficult aspects dominate. That practice, skill, turn of mind is valuable as we see the signs in our neighbor’s yard or visit with friends and family.
It also matters to how we see candidates. We may dislike their views or proposed policies, but as Christians and Friends, it ill behooves us to vilify them. That seems most important if we are inclined or led to advocate. And, of course, Friends try to not act out of selfishness. Shouldn’t we determine our vote by something other than our perception of our own short-term economic interest? Aren’t citizenship and mammon two different masters?It is complicated. More complicated than picking a team and rooting for it to win. (Haven’t we all treated politics as a spectator sport sometimes?) Along the way, let’s treat others as we would be treated and act with integrity—goals we’re more likely to achieve if we keep them in mind.
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