Why America is so Divided?

There is increased polarisation worldwide, with American politics leading the way. Why are we more divided than ever?

There is no shared narrative. We no longer have a shared vision, future, hope or ‘kingdom’ we seek to bring in. Instead, we have empowered individuals who have the right to choose, leaving us fractured and isolated.

There is no shared safety net below us. We have lost the capacity to debate, disagree, forgive, respect and live at peace with those who think differently than us.

There is no safety umbrella above us. There is no shared confidence or trust in a sovereign God who is overseeing history, restraining evil, and working out all things in accordance with his purposes.

There is a lack of shared values. What constitutes justice, compassion, and truth is contested.

Without a God above us, or Christianity’s gracious, servant hearted and loving disposition between us, we look for hope in our Governments. It is our politicians who are our hope – they will either usher in the new world order (if you are left-wing) or return us to the good old days (if you are right-wing).

Western countries, America in particular, are in a precarious place. National debt is out of control, social cohesion is plunging, well-being is on the decline, their military superiority is challenged, China’s influence is on the rise, etc.

The response to this raft of crises is shared corporate anxiety, blame the other side for the problems, withdraw into echo chambers, and believing that the only salvation will come from your team winning and implementing its agenda.

There are deep ironies here. Both Republicans are Democrats are committed to a better and stronger America, with individual freedom in a land of opportunity. Both believe politicians (on their side) are the answer, and politicians (on the other side) are the problem.

Both sides are right and wrong. Government have an important role to play in providing law and order, infrastructure, health and education, defence and so on. And on the whole, our governments do a good job.

But governments cannot engender values such as forgiveness and compassion, offer or deliver hope and purpose, and facilitate communities who live for such things. This is a moment for the church to be a light, to out-love and live out a compelling Kingdom community. This is our purpose, and this is God’s plan for how he loves and saves the world – through his church.

By Rev. David Rietveld