Opus 2021-087: A Call to Unity

I think it is a time to call for unity.  Not with the hard left or the Never Trumpers, but with other people of faith and traditional values.  We have a way of joining in circular firing squads and picking off the ones we should be working with

There is an old joke about a couple of pious individuals sitting in a room, rocking their chairs and commiserating on the state of the world.  They work their way down the list and finally one of the says, “It looks like there is no one left but me and thee.”  The other answers, “And I am not too sure about thee.”

It would be funny if it wasn’t so sad.

We need unity based on essentials.  In Christian circles I can tell if someone is a genuine Christian after a few short discussions.  I have learned that the denomination they belong to may give an indication but is not a reliable measure either way.  There are some consistent points of belief that have been consistent over the years.  John Wesley and John Calvin might have never been able to agree on a systematic theology but they would have not issues on the divinity of Christ, the physical resurrection and the existence of hell.  

In politics it gets a little more dicey.  A bare minimum would require embracing the original intent of the Constitution.  Think of it as the Nicene Creed of politics.  It includes checks and balances, the rights of the First and Second Amendments.  It involves due process and the rule of law.  I can accept that you don’t like Donald Trump’s tweets as long as you thought it through and realized that Joe Biden was not a real option.

One thing I get annoyed with is the Monday Morning Quarterbacks.  They will tell you all the things that Donald Trump did wrong and what he should have done.  Hind sight is marvelous.  One of the things I have learned in life it that how we talk in the living room and how we act when confronted are two different things.  I can have fantasies about being Rocky Balboa when I run into an angry protestor, but I have been to the shooting range and I know my marksmanship, or should I say, lack of marksmanship.  I may think I am Bruce Lee in my dreams but I have a hard time carrying my coffee to the living room without spilling it.

We need to unite on the essentials.  I think we can find them if we try.  It is fine if you disown the Lincoln project but don’t start kicking out everyone who disagrees with you on criticizing the Supreme Court.  Keep in mind that oil and water don’t mix but vinegar and water do just fine.

homo unius libri