Christianity has lost three important guide wires: integrity, credibility and, most pressingly, civility, said Os Guinness, co-founder of The Trinity Forum. Guinness believes that Christians must abandon political bitterness and fulfill Jesus’ commands to love one another. His approach to the intractable differences among world religions is to create a “political framework of rights, responsibilities and respect to which all agree.”

via www.faithandleadership.com

I have had a growing concern about the polarization of the U.S. and the loss of civility. It is becoming increasingly difficult to discuss any issue, let alone loaded ones in a civil manner. Disagreements abound. That is not the heart of the issue. We live in a pluralistic country, which means there is room for different perspectives, approaches, ethics and lifestyles. The problem lies in the fact that it is more and more difficult to disagree within civility. I was told yesterday by someone that Glen Beck has said that we are headed toward a civil war. Without reaquiring the ability for civil discourse (which he along with scores of other media personaliies on the right and the left injure daily) he may be right.

Lord have mercy!  Christ have mercy!

Os Guinness’ words might be a good place to begin the long road back. Click the link to read the full interview.