Talking Responsibly about the 2020 Election
Rabbi Russ Resnik
In today’s uber-uptight political environment it’s hard to know what to say and not say about the current election. (I’m addressing leaders in this blog, but everyone is welcome to read on.) One solution is to simply keep silent on anything remotely political, knowing that you’re unlikely to change anyone’s mind, and someone is going to be offended by (and also likely to misinterpret) just about anything you say.
I can respect that sort of principled silence, but others might see not saying anything as a form of complicity. MLK Jr. said, “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” There are definitely things that matter in the current election, issues that some among us might feel compelled to address. So how do we do it?
First, do no harm
Hippocrates articulated this principle in ancient Greece, and it’s still affirmed by the medical profession today. A medical practitioner shouldn’t do anything to add to the problem or make the patient worse. This sounds obvious enough, but spiritual leaders, like doctors, need to be reminded of it. Today we’re living through a moment of deep division and imbalance, a time of anxiety and through-the-roof stress. So if I’m going to address matters related to politics, I have to ask whether I’m adding to the problem or even making the patient—my congregation, my community, my country—worse instead of better. Am I just fueling a never-ending argument, or am I helping to raise awareness in a way that might actually improve things?
Talk issues, not candidates
When we’re representing a tax-exempt congregation or religious organization, we have boundaries to our speech that might actually be helpful. Our 501(c)(3) status with the IRS means we’re exempt from most taxes, but we . . .
are absolutely prohibited from directly or indirectly participating in, or intervening in, any political campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) any candidate for elective public office. Contributions to political campaign funds or public statements of position (verbal or written) made on behalf of the organization in favor of or in opposition to any candidate for public office clearly violate the prohibition against political campaign activity.
For a government policy, that’s pretty clear. If we’re speaking on behalf of our congregation or organization, and want to preserve our tax-exempt status, we can’t endorse (or oppose) a specific candidate or campaign. But this rule doesn’t forbid us from speaking out about “things that matter,” especially social and political issues rooted in our biblical perspective.
In general, we are more effective, more influential, and more true to our calling of building community and modeling an alternative to the social-media-drenched political dysfunction of this present darkness by not waving the banner of any candidate or party. Instead we can speak out on key issues from a prophetic vantage point on the margins.
Season it with wisdom and grace
Our biblical perspective helps us understand not only what we might need to speak out on, but how. I could cite lots of passages, but here’s a good summary verse: “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person” (Col 4:6).
So why do we think this doesn’t apply to our speech about politics and politicians? Why do we think we can set this wise counsel aside when we’re talking about Donald Trump? Or Joe Biden? And actually, I’m more likely to influence others if I speak with calmness and respect, even toward or about those I disagree with
Remember you’re a rabbi in your pulpit AND on your profile
And who said that social media should be a free-for-all? If I’m a recognized spiritual leader, I’m still recognizable on Facebook. I might be able to sidestep the 501(c)(3) restrictions by saying this is my private, not-official, Facebook page, but I can’t sidestep my place in the community. Years ago, I was ministering in beautiful Buenos Aires, Argentina, and one afternoon, my host, Jorge Goldstein, took me sight-seeing. He was dressed in a suit and tie (in contrast with my touristy garb) as we knocked around, and we’d become friendly enough that I could ask Jorge why he was so dressed up. He said he never knew who he might run into, and he was always representing his community, and Yeshua himself, even on an afternoon off.
Don’t worry, I’m not about to advocate daily tie-wearing but, in truth, even on Facebook I’m still Rabbi Russ, still representing the Messianic Jewish community and even the Messiah himself. I can’t indulge in ranting, labeling, spreading doubtful reports of any persuasion, or fomenting discord and division, without reflecting poorly on my community and my calling.
So before I speak, in whatever context, I should ask (a la IRS): Does this speech constitute an endorsement of a specific person or party, and (a la Colossians): Is this speech gracious and seasoned with salt? And remember my first question: Does this speech really help the situation and avoid causing harm?
Before I close I’ll add a final question. A month from now Election Day will be in the rearview mirror, and—God willing—the whole election drama will be settling down. But my congregation and community will still be here. So, today I should ask myself this: Is this speech going to help us come together, and stay together, after the election?
Bottom line: if you feel a biblical imperative to speak out, you should, but without endorsing any candidate or directly supporting any campaign. If that requires some tightrope walking, all the better, because it’s hard to rant while you’re navigating a tightrope. Remember, there’s already enough division, discord, and despair to go around. As we walk through these anxious times with our congregants and neighbors, we have the opportunity to be a source of healing and spiritual uplift. Let’s take advantage of it!