We can learn from the rhetoric
I know I am not alone when I say that I am getting really tired of the rhetoric. Some of my friends have indicated they are drastically cutting back their exposure to news feeds because of it.
The name calling, the personal attacks, the conspiracy theories, the outright lies; if it wasn’t for the fact we know better one might think it’s not from news feeds at all but rather is just a bad dream from our memories of middle school locker rooms.
The most recent outbursts, showing that in the current climate a person cannot even die in peace, were the final straw.
The situation has deteriorated to such an extent that mature people are called to choose how they are going to respond.
Are we going to buy into this level of behavior or can the immaturity, negativity and narcissism so revolt us that it calls us to a higher level?
Reflection has suggested the rhetoric can in fact serve a useful purpose. It can remind us all of the power of spoken words and the beauty of taking the high road.
The ancient Book of Proverbs cites numerous examples of the positive power of wellchosen words.
“The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” It then goes on to remind us that truth lasts forever but a lying tongue is sooner or later found out. (Proverbs 12:18)
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” The next verse is particularly convicting. “The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.” (Proverbs 15:1)
Another ancient writing, aware of the power of speech says, “Let your words be few.” If I were to author this part of Scripture I’d simply remind us all that, ”Sometimes it’s best to just shut up.”
In more recent Scriptures Jesus of Nazareth is recorded as instructing His followers to avoid exaggerated claims buttressed by all kinds of oaths. He says, “All you need to say is simply ‘Yes,’ or ‘No;’ anything beyond this comes from the evil one.”
The rhetoric of many public figures makes them easy targets. Their speech has become so warped that criticizing it is low hanging fruit.
But, what’s the point? I’m suggesting that each new lie, each new revolting diatribe, each episode of name-calling and each new accusation is a clarion call to mature individuals, and particularly to those who choose to pattern their lives after Jesus of Nazareth, to monitor our own words.
In the Tale of Two Cities, Charles Dickens declared that, “It was the best of times and it was the worst of times.” Perhaps his observation can be spun. Maybe the worst of speech so evident in the current climate will nudge us all to carefully practice the best of speech.
Tim Schroeder is a pastor at Trinity Baptist Church and chaplain to the Kelowna Rockets and RCMP. This column appears Saturdays.