Consider This from NPR: Is 'Do Unto Others' the Way to Bridge the Political Divide?
Release Date: November 27, 2024
In this thought-provoking episode of NPR's "Consider This," hosts delve into the efforts of Pastor Chris Morgan from Christ United Methodist Church in suburban Pittsburgh as he endeavors to heal the nation's political wounds through his "Do Unto Others" initiative. The episode explores the challenges and successes of promoting civility and kindness in a sharply divided political landscape.
Setting the Scene: A Divided Community
The episode opens with a tense atmosphere unfolding at Christ United Methodist Church in mid-July. Just a day after a harrowing assassination attempt on then-candidate Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, Pastor Chris Morgan addresses his congregation with a call for prayer—not only for Trump and the shooting victims but also for the shooter’s family, who resides nearby.
Pastor Chris Morgan [00:45]: "We have a series we're doing in the fall called Do Unto Others, talking about showing kindness in the midst of the world we live in."
This balanced plea sets the tone for Morgan's broader mission to bridge political divides within his community ahead of the Election Day frenzy.
The 'Do Unto Others' Initiative
Pastor Chris Morgan's "Do Unto Others" series is more than a set of sermons; it's a movement aimed at fostering civility and compassion among his congregation. The initiative includes a series of sermons, hundreds of branded T-shirts, and numerous lawn signs promoting the message of kindness.
Pastor Chris Morgan [00:45]: "We need to be praying that we do that and that people get that because there's a lot going on."
NPR's Frank Langfitt tracks the initiative's progress by visiting Christchurch both before and after Election Day to assess its impact.
Community Reactions: Bridging Personal Divides
The episode highlights the personal stories of congregation members affected by the initiative. Tommy Longnecker, an ardent supporter of President Elect Trump, shares his experience with political tensions in the neighborhood.
Tommy Longnecker [03:19]: "I put a dozen signs up in our neighborhood this big. And let me tell you, Democrats don't like the sign. They've been destroying my signs all over the neighborhood."
His interaction with neighbor Bob Lewis illustrates a pivotal moment of connection sparked by the "Do Unto Others" message.
Bob Lewis [04:25]: "But I like the message that it gives, and I like the fact that we can still get along and not be hateful and mean to each other."
This exchange marks the first meaningful conversation about their faith and political differences, highlighting the potential of Morgan's approach to foster understanding.
Impact on Personal Relationships
The initiative's influence extends beyond public displays to personal relationships. Parishioner Patty Goyette shares how the sermons transformed her interactions at home.
Patty Goyette [06:16]: "We've had a lot of struggles and I think the messaging I'm getting from church helped me change my perspective entirely into how do I fix this?"
She recounts a particular sermon that used the metaphor of being stranded on a long bike ride without sustenance, prompting her to reflect on nourishing her relationships.
Patty Goyette [06:57]: "I listen and I hear. When you do that, people stop yelling and start talking and it makes a difference."
Mixed Reactions: Challenges Within the Congregation
While many found solace in the "Do Unto Others" message, not all responses were positive. Tony Rita, an usher at the church, felt that the initiative inadvertently politicized the sanctuary.
Tony Rita [07:30]: "I felt like that sermon series was bringing politics into the church."
Additionally, Stephanie White, a dedicated supporter of Pastor Morgan, critiqued the initiative for not sufficiently addressing the harmful rhetoric used by political figures like Trump.
Stephanie White [08:17]: "The piece that I think is missing was the willingness to openly identify the rhetoric being used in the campaign."
She argued that without calling out such rhetoric, the initiative risks creating a false equivalence between opposing sides.
Patty Goyette [08:26]: "Can we also talk about the terrible things that Trump says? And the response we get is, well, it's both sides. It's both sides."
Assessing the Effectiveness: A Mixed Verdict
Pastor Chris Morgan reflects on the initiative's outcomes, acknowledging both its successes and limitations.
Pastor Chris Morgan [09:24]: "I think at an individual level, as you kind of heard, I think it did help some people a lot."
He notes that while some congregants embraced the message of kindness and returned to scriptural teachings, the visible uptake of "Do Unto Others" merchandise suggested varying levels of engagement.
Pastor Chris Morgan [09:24]: "But when I went to the services, I did not see that many of them, which also raised questions for me as to how much buy in there really was in the congregation."
Furthermore, he emphasizes the enormity of bridging political divides on a national scale, recognizing that sustained, widespread efforts are necessary to effect meaningful change.
Pastor Chris Morgan [10:20]: "If you were going to try to bridge this division in this country, you know, in any meaningful way, you'd have to have a lot of efforts along these lines, a lot of these programs, and it would take a very long time."
Conclusion: A Step Toward Healing
"Do Unto Others" represents a microcosm of the broader quest for political reconciliation in the United States. While Pastor Chris Morgan's initiative has made significant strides in fostering personal kindness and understanding within his congregation, the episode underscores the complexities of addressing deep-seated political animosities. As the nation contemplates uniting during Thanksgiving, the lessons from Christ United Methodist Church offer both hope and a realistic appraisal of the challenges ahead in bridging the political divide.
Produced by Katherine Fink, edited by Catherine Laidlaw and Courtney Dorting, and executive produced by Sammy Yenigun.