Right up front I'll admit to a certain level of hypocrisy in writing this blog. I've certainly offered my share of negative opinion in some of my writings. Although it is a true reflection of what I am thinking and feeling at the time, some of what I write fails the sniff test for being "gracious" and "edifying" as the scriptures encourage our conversations to be (eg. Ephesians 4:29; Colossians 4:6).
My schedule does not allow me to spend much time listening to the radio, but from time to time I tune in to a couple different talk shows to get a sense of what is on the hosts' minds. Almost without exception I end up turning them off. The level of discourse, it seems to me, has become so befouled with anger, mudslinging, innuendo, name calling and polarization that I find these programs degrading and mood destroying.
I've heard advocates on both sides of the political spectrum piling on with insults and labels such as "stupid", "idiot", and more. Do we really need to hear some know it all say things like, "No Christian can vote for John McCain?" Or, "Barack Obama is demonic." (Both of these quotes came from the same guest on one of these shows.) The host was egging him on. In continuation of my own hypocrisy...I don't know how any Christian can listen to this crap, let alone sit behind the microphone.
I find the whole business offensive and very unhelpful. The political and religious discourse in this country has devolved into a character assassinating, eye gouging, take no prisoners, destroy all who disagree free for all. It is mean and it is ugly on both sides.
I don't know about you, but I'd like to tune in and hear dialogue that addresses the key issues respectfully, with maturity and with graciousness.
