As I compose this essay, polarizing cultural and political leaders continue their venomous attacks against their opponents. Labels of “Nazi” have become a comma in discourse and vulgarity is now a sign of transparency. Invading church services is now heralded as civil rights agitation and any critique of radical Islam is suppressed as a phobia. 

Antisemitism continues metastasizing, with deceptive voices claiming only opposition to Zionism while not hating Jews. European nations are divided between nationalists with closed borders and globalists in a freefall capitulation to external powers or Islamicists. Crowds are chanting against the USA and ignoring the real injustices in Iran as thousands rise up against a truly evil regime. 

I have paused my commentaries for several months so that when I write, it is not one more reactive piece only exacerbating the divisions. In addition to all these external issues, we find people of faith divided over their responses to events, with some MAGA activists wrapping the Cross in a flag and those infused with hatred toward President Trump refusing support for any administration policies. 

As a Christian devoted to Christ’s kingdom and wise participation in society, I offer the following thoughts as a stimulus for reflection and civil conversation. Even in my most passionate moments, I will not:

• Label or libel individuals and deny the humanity of any person.
• Categorize all who disagree with me as “the enemy.” 
• Stop believing that there is hope when people of conscience work together. 

As a public intellectual, I will:

• Affirm that truth can be discovered and narratives can change.
• Affirm that there are first principles of ethics and morality essential for a free and virtuous society. 
• Seek principled consensus and live peaceably with people who see the universe differently. 

In the spirit of Jesus of Nazareth and Socrates, Here are some questions for conversation and prayer.

Question One: What does a secure border and reasonable immigration reform look like, so America is hospitable and wise?

Most Americans want border security, deportation of serious criminals, and pathways for citizenship and legal work status for people ready to contribute to our country. They are happy with some current policies and prefer surgical arrests to sweeping actions. The problem is that the paid-for-protestors and radicals on the Left want open borders and less rule of law. The Mayor of Boston recently said that everyone has a right to come to the US and have a job. On the Right, finding moderation is hard when any adjustments are seen as compromise. Some want a fortress with no hospitality. The key here? Congress finding courage and working for real immigration reform. 

Question Two: How can detractors and supporters of President Trump find a way to discuss issues rather than react to a personality?  

President Trump’s arrogance and self-promotion undermine what might be prudent domestic and foreign policies. If he will stop insulting and litigating against opponents and focus on cultivating consensual action, more peaceful progress is possible. At the same time the haters of Trump do not understand his deal-making proclivities. Greenland was never going to be an American state or territory. Several truces around the world are positive steps away from violence; however, there is much more work needed securing enduring peace. 

Question Three: Is there a real pathway to peace in the Middle East?

Israel is not a Western “settler-colony” imposing her will on a peaceful Palestine. The Jihadists opposing Israel want her absolute destruction and the end of all Jewish presence in the world. Some historical facts:

• The international community has affirmed the need for a Jewish national home in her ancient land from the end of WWI. The convulsions following the collapse of the Ottoman Empire led to the rise of Arab nationalist and jihadist movements, all of whom opposed any Jewish presence. 
  
• The Holocaust killed over six million Jews. In response, leaders and nations rallied around a modest homeland for the Jews in the Holy Land. The UN partitioned Palestinian territory in 1947, designation areas for Jewish settlement and the Palestinian state of Trans Jordan. No Arab nation would affirm the right of these survivors to a state in their ancient home. War ensued in 1948, with the armies of six nations arrayed against a small force. JORDAN invaded the West Bank and secured all of Jerusalem, in violation of UN mandates. A truce (NOT a treaty) came in 1949. Israel’s quick victory in 1967 secured her existence and began decades of peace talks. The Camp David Accords of 1978 saw Egypt secure the Sinai and make peace. Jordan stopped her overt hostility and a framework for the future was established.
  
• From the 1970s to the mid-2010s, Israel has offered a joint capital in Jerusalem and over 90% of her reclaimed territory in the Judea and Samaria for peace. She left Gaza in 2005, only to see Hamas take a beautiful region and turn into a terrorist state. Finally, Israel is the only working (and contentious) democracy in the region, with over two million Arab citizens and equal rights for all minorities and religious communities. 

Question Four: Is there a way forward for a liberated Iran?

The great Persian people deserve a democratic society. With freedom of conscience/religion, equal rights for all, and opportunities for economic and social flourishing. The current totalitarian regime is violently suppressing dissent. The US is supportive of regime change from within and offering strong military presence that can be targeted toward regime leaders and military targets. This is an opportunity for people of conscience in both American parties to unite. The barrier is that some of the people and parties that oppose President Trump are stuck in their red-green alliance and refuse to support change because it is neither Islamist nor Marxist. Some are silent because they cannot support any administrative initiative. On the right, Fortress America opponents of any intervention rail against engagement. The way forward is steady support for dissidents, further sanctions, and a refusal to accept the apocalyptic regime as it is. 

The above are just a few of the contentious issues. The world is complicated. Friends, let’s reflect before we react, pray for those that oppose us the most, and offer workable solutions creating pathways for all to flourish. In my next essay, I will offer questions/thoughts on human identity, public ethics, and economic wisdom. We can build a better future once we stop shouting and start listening.