I’m an election tragic. I’ve watched many up close over my life. This time round, I’ve been deeply concerned by the vitriol, hatred and lies – dressed up as political comment by people who claim to identify with the ways of Jesus. I’m astounded by the certainty some hold to in their extreme, opinions, claims and theories. 

Yes, we can be passionate in our convictions, but I can’t fathom how you can cast another as evil simply because they share a different view to yours. Where is the love of Jesus in that? The peril and poison of Christian nationalism is clearly on display in the USA and we need to strongly resist it here. 

People of all faiths (and no faith) have already voted and will vote this Saturday for a diversity of candidates. And that’s the beauty of our democracy – one we should cherish.

Robust, civil, respectful debate is good for society. People of faith should be able to disagree well. I appreciate others don’t share some of my views on important issues. But I’m not going to tell you you’re not a “real Christian” – or for that matter you’re “evil” – if you share a different opinion to mine on a matter of policy or Scripture.

Yes, it’s a minority, extreme voice – but it’s getting louder. And it’s dangerous – because it’s not consistent with the loving, compassionate and just ways of Jesus. I’m happy to respectfully disagree, even when called a “child of the devil” by a so-called fellow Christian traveller. And I’ve come to see there is no value in trying to have a healthy discussion with people who tragically claim in messages to me that “God hates gay and trans people” or “Jesus wouldn’t be interested in First Nations justice” or “asylum seekers are ruining our country”.  

I’ve learnt the hard way that it’s better to focus on what Jesus said – that we should be known by our love for others. And a vital part of this love – as seen in Jesus’ priorities – was to stand with the voiceless and those often maligned by the religious. I’ve still got much work to do in this loving space. And yet surely for followers of Jesus, this deserves our energy and attention, more than attacking people and fostering hatred and division, when others simply don’t share our political and religious agendas.