America on the Brink

essential part of nonviolent political discourse. Discernment in 1 Corinthians 12 is the ability to differentiate the influence of good from evil. Gospel writers record stories that show Jesus was aware of deeper motivations for questions and responded with such an awareness instead of blind engagement (Matthew 9:4; Mark 10:2; Luke 10:25, 11:17; John 8:6). Paul encouraged the Ephesians to remember the deeper spiritual dimensions behind “flesh and blood” interactions (Ephesians 6:12). These stories and teachings remind us of forces and powers influencing verbal interactions so there is a recognition of what is said and why or what’s motivating specific words, which is an invaluable gift. Discernment in the Bible is not just a deeper recognition of motivations, but it also means wisdom, which is ability to rightly utilize knowledge. The implication here is it is one thing to have an awareness of evil and insight but another thing to know what to do with it in each situation. Political nonviolence for me means having discernment that is exercised in two ways. First, it is exercised in debates and discussions about political issues. Discernment equips us not to be drawn into ugly verbal confrontations when respectful dialogue that seeks understanding breaks down. Like an inner warning alarm, discernment enables us to be alert to the turn toward violence so that we do not succumb to the temptation to insult. Second, discernment applies to media platforms we utilize, support, and allow ourselves to be exposed to. Just because media platforms exist and are popular does not mean we are beholden to them and or must support them. Doing this only ensures minimal accountability, which is not a good thing. We need to be measured and discriminating in our support of media platforms and programs that encourage and recklessly promote verbal violence. Discernment must be exercised with humility. Humility is appropriately described as “not thinking too highly of oneself” (Romans 12:3) and is important because it provides a check on personal, partisan, or any form of group arrogance that assumes we are always right and better than others. The belief that we are better than others is an expression of pride, the opposite of humility in New Testament writings, that should always be checked. Yes, we should have our beliefs and convictions, but they should be held with the humble recognition that our best ideas are always riddled with elements of self-interest. Humility should tamp down or check the level of assertion and aggression we employ to make out point. Humility is a check that can prevent one from descending into verbal violence. Composure Composure is a second important aspect of political non-violence I have found helpful. I have studied Martin Luther King Jr.’s behavior in television interviews and learned valuable skills that nurture composure in me as a leader. King did two things that stood out for me. He was a principled communicator who did not allow himself to be distracted by ancillary issues. He also used what I call “strategic pauses” that provide moment to discern both the meaning and tenor or “spirit” of the question. James describes such pauses as being “quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to wrath” (James 1:19). Cultivating the kind of self-control and discipline spoken of in Galatians 5

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