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PRAYER, CIVILITY, AND POLITICAL DISCOURSE
WITH ELECTIONS LOOMING , political discourse confronts us just about every day. And in an age of increasing political partisanship, it seems that just about anything goes regarding the tone of discussion in the political arena. In the news media, reasoned discussion often takes a backseat to confrontation, which spurs interest (and maybe profits). A recent op-ed piece I read even extolled the virtues of public figures expressing their opinions bluntly and with no apology.
While confrontation and controversy maybe entertaining, it is doubtful that it does much for public enlightenment. In fact, it frequently leads in just the opposite direction.
Some years ago while I was working in the political campaign arena, there were often discussions about the effectiveness of negative campaigning. While it wasn't widely regarded as the "high road," it was considered a highly effective tool in swaying public opinion. In a sense, went the argument, it was something the public would tolerate. Negative attack campaigning has been defined by the Institute for Global Ethics as "arguments based on rumor or innuendo, that rely on unflattering or demeaning representations to get their point across, that rely on stereotyping and appeals to fear or prejudice, and that typically focus on personalities rather than on issues." It is hard to believe that's really what the public wants—and, in fact, some polling suggests that we are getting tired of it. That trend is worth nurturing, and it's one where prayer can play a big part.
Enjoy 1 free Sentinel article or audio program each month, including content from 1898 to today.
November 1, 2010 issue
View Issue-
LETTERS
with contributions from TERRY HOLLIDAY, SHARON GESLER, MARILYN MCPHERSON, REBECCA BUHL
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LIFTING THE WEIGHT OF GRIEF
JEFF WARD-BAILEY, STAFF EDITOR
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PRAYER, CIVILITY, AND POLITICAL DISCOURSE
RON BALLARD
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ONLY BLESSED, NEVER CURSED
CHRISTA KREUTZ
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ARE WE MORTAL OR IMMORTAL?
BETH CAREY
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Smooth stone
Lynne Cook
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Unviolated purity
By Kate
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Sunny days are here
BY ANDREW WILSON
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What is true manhood?
David Stevens
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From grieving to blessing
BY THOMAS MITCHINSON
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Love liberates from grief
BY NANCY ROBISON
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When I missed my friend
BY LOUISE THORNTON
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No more sorrow
BY PAMELA GRESHAM
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HONORING DAD
BY SARAH MATUSEK
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Staying on course with God
BY DEBBY MILLER
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GRACE
WIL MEACHAM,
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GRIEF HEALED—'WRAPPED UP IN LOVE'
DOLORES BELL
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BACK AND RIB PAIN HEALED
JANE E. FITZGERALD
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FOOT INJURY HEALED QUICKLY
DIANE P. DAILEY