I follow the wonderful religious historian and author Diana Butler Bass. Yesterday she shared data from PRRI (Public Religion Research Institute) which is "a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to conducting independent research at the intersection of religion, culture, and public policy."
Last week PRRI published the report: Democracy at a Crossroads: How Americans View Trump’s First 100 Days in Office.
Bass shared the following statistic from the report:
52% of Americans agree that “President Trump is a dangerous dictator whose power should be limited before he destroys American democracy.”
44% of Americans agree that “President Trump is a strong leader who should be given the power he needs to restore America’s greatness.”
Yikes. We are viewing our current reality in dramatically different ways.
Bass goes on to wonder about the American Revolution, the Great Awakening, and other "sacred rebellions." How do we discern that a rebellion is "sacred"? When are we fighting tyranny, and when are we simply angry about an outcome? In today's seemingly insurmountable polarization, how do we know if we are on the side of the holy?
Her answer is simple: are we on the side that widens the circle, or are we on the side that closes the door? Are we extending gifts or building walls? The principles of generosity, mercy, compassion and abundance are bedrocks of our faith. This Sunday we will hear of these foundational values as known in fish and bread. Through story and symbol we will be reminded of who we are and what we believe. We will be reminded of how we are to be in this world and how to hold onto hope. So join us, as we gather in the fish and break the bread.
