Why Is Politics A Blood Sport?

In Part 1 of this series (link => here), we discussed what was wrong with the format of the First Presidential Debate of 2020. In Part 2 (link => here), considered why some candidates might prefer to brawl instead of debate. Here we will consider the problem with us, why we might prefer a brawl instead of a debate.

Politics is a blood sport. Whether or not we want to “play” does not matter. We are still in the “game”.

Why is politics such a ruthless, unforgiving “game”? That has to do with who or what we choose to worship. We have a clear alternative between the One True God and idols, but we are fallen creatures. Therefore, to some degree all of us give in to the temptation to worship idols.

What is a idol? An idol is anything we put ahead of God. Typically, we make idols of stuff, sex, science, state, and/or self. The state is an immensely popular idol. Why? Those who rule the state often promise to use their power give us whatever we want. That includes stuff, sex, and science. In addition, when the state is powerful, being part of something powerful feeds our pride and self esteem.

The more we worship idols instead of the One True God the more we become a problem for our family, friends, neighbors, and countrymen. Instead of loving other people, we try to use them. Instead of being a maker, a productive citizen who seeks to serve others, we become of taker who seeks to gain what rightfully belongs to others.

How do we discern whether we are a problem? Instead of pointing a finger of accusation, we consider our own actions and deeds.

• Do we read or listen to news from multiple sources, including sources that have a bias in conflict with our own?
• Do we discuss issues, or do we attack the other guy or the other guy’s candidate with unrelenting fervor? Do we just hate someone because they won’t give us what we want? Are we more interested in demonstrating our hatred for the other side or doing what is best for my family, friends, neighbors, and countrymen?
• Do we take the time to understand our country’s history by reading what the founders of this nation wrote and read? Have we taken the time to understand what the Americans who built America believed? Do we know how they intended our government to function?
• Do we examine our own assumptions and beliefs? Do we consider the possibility we might be wrong because we have based our beliefs on fundamentally wrong ideas? Are we the captive of an evil ideology?
• Have we examined the beliefs and platforms of both of America’s two major political parties? Do we actually know what the people we intend to vote for will do with the power our vote gives them?
• Are we just spectators and critics? Do we try to participate in politics or are we so apathetic we leave the running of our country to “other” people? Note that indifference is the greatest evil. If you are indifferent, you don’t love anyone except yourself.

Do we in truth love our neighbor? As the questions above suggest, to love our neighbor properly, we must first know as best we can the Truth.

Are you a resident of Prince William County? Then check out pwcvotes.org. Note that October 13th is the last day to register to vote.

• If you are not registered to vote, please register.
• Please take the time to study your ballot. Learn about the candidates and the constitutional amendments on your ballot (There are two proposed amendments to the Constitution of Virginia.).
• Contemplate what our Lord would have you do. Pray! Keep in mind we don’t get perfect choices. Not voting is a choice. Not voting is doing nothing. Doing nothing allows evil men to rule us. When we don’t vote we give up the opportunity to protect each others rights.