Don’t Stop Believing (Part 1 of 2)

I’ve been confused lately by the negative connotation of the word “ideological”, which I have heard ascribed to people from President Barack Obama to talk radio host Rush Limbaugh to terrorist Khalid Sheikh Mohammed. I have to think that none of these people are criticized simply because they have logical ideals—because of their devotion or because they are men of principle or strong conviction. I’ve never heard men like Martin Luther King or William Wilberforce or Mother Teresa condemned as such, after all. So, I’d gather that if it’s not the zeal or the existence of ideals that are problematic, then it’s the ideals themselves that are at issue. But how could it be—in this progressive age of pluralistic, postmodern relativism—that we would be intolerant and judgmental towards the beliefs of others? And didn’t Jesus say “Do not judge, or you too will be judged”?

John Mayer’s song “Belief” states wisely that “everyone believes in how they think it oughta be”, but then goes on to say in the chorus: “We’re never gonna beat this if belief is what we’re fighting for” and refers to belief as “the chemical weapon for the war that’s raging on inside”. So it would seem he’s not a fan of ideology either. But that’s his belief, isn’t it?

Scientifically-derived facts are important and experience is invaluable, but these factors alone are not enough to guide us; only belief lights our path and sets us on our course. Whether it’s a survival instinct or a result of the fall, we’re all born with an innate knowledge of good of evil—and the desire to discern between the two. We judge because, from a very young age, every action and belief of our own was either judged outright or was put to the test in the real world. We judge because all beliefs are not equal and they have consequences. To believe otherwise is the very definition of foolishness. Job 34:4 says, “Let us discern for ourselves what is right; let us learn together what is good”, Proverbs 8:5 says, “You who are foolish, gain understanding”, and Proverbs 31:9 says, “Speak up and judge fairly.” It’s unlikely that Jesus was placing a moratorium on critical thought and discernment; nor should we.

I recently watched a period movie called “The Good German” which was set in post-World War II Germany. Now I know that Adolph Hitler is an easy target in all arguments of objective morality (for he alone debunks the myth that all beliefs are equally valid), but I’ve always been more disturbed by the people of Germany. How could an entire nation be led on such a horrific course to enslave, abuse, and ultimately exterminate an entire race—while in the process of attacking their neighbors en route to world conquest? Instead of the jews, was it actually the German people who were inferior to buy in to such a terrible ideology? Or were they so downtrodden and victimized that they should be excused for their evil actions? It’s the same question that’s asked of radical islamic fundamentalists that resort to terror. Are they evil…inferior…or pitiful victims of poverty and political oppression? And does it really matter what they believe if they’re trying to blow up you and your children?

To bring the matter closer to home, we should realize that the powers that be in our country are driven by one of two things—ideological beliefs (wielding their power) or political survival (keeping their power). Despite the base pettiness of the latter, for some reason the former seems to get the lion-share of criticism. Politicians love to talk out of both sides of their mouths and make compromises to give the impression that they are bipartisan and open-minded in an attempt to please everyone and, tragically, it often works. The broader and more vague a campaign slogan is, the better (who can argue with “hope” or “change”?). But the bottom line is that all of them went to Washington with an agenda based on their particular beliefs—beliefs that went beyond just executing the will of their constituents for their best interests. At their best, they are leaders who are inspired by and inspire the spirit of the people, listening to their constituents but working with integrity to do what they believe is best. All too often, though, they will stop at nothing to advance their beliefs, going behind closed doors and cutting deals and telling you whatever you need to hear. They will resort to manipulation and would prefer your own ignorance or insanity to the kind of grounded opposition that would threaten their cause. Like many of the professors who infest our higher institutions of learning, they wish to tell you what to think rather than to appeal to what’s best within you—to inspire you to think for yourself.

Those we have granted power over our lives have (or once had) a vision for how society and government should function, what our country’s role should be in the world, and so forth. All issues will be seen through their ideological prism (whether its based in fairness, freedom, social justice, or true equality) and the votes they cast have the potential to change our country and the lives of you and your children. People ask me why I care so much or why I have such strong opinions, but the better question is how can you not? If you believe our environment is headed toward catastrophe, how can you sit idly by and watch companies and individuals pollute for profit and convenience? If you believe abortion is murder, how can you sit idly by while government uses your money to fund it?

Unless we become utterly indifferent (negligent and cowardly), our refusal to face facts and discern between contrary beliefs does not exempt us from making judgments, it only leads to faulty judgment—and often to one of two extremes:  rationalization or condemnation. Victims are justified if their actions can be rationalized or if their rationale is, perhaps, beyond our understanding, while we condemn that which we rashly deem inexcusable. Perhaps this is why there seemed to be more of an outcry from the left in this country against George W. Bush than there was against terrorists during his war on terror. Whatever the case, the approach, or the basis of our beliefs, we must face the reality and necessity of judgment between contrary ideals and beliefs. And, in doing so, we would do well to gain the wisdom necessary to avoid the extremes by learning to discern responsibly and in the light of—and pursuit of—the truth.

It’s hard for me to imagine an argument against this rational, but it’s easy to see the challenges with its implementation. If we are to judge, then what standard can we use? And who am I to judge (do I think I’m superior)? And won’t making a judgment then obligate me to actually do something about it?

These are hard questions (which I’ll address in part 2 of this article), but they don’t get us off the hook. We are unique, free-agents given the responsibility and privilege of governing our own lives and making choices—based on our beliefs—that affect our lives and the lives of those around us. And, thanks to our democracy, our burden extends to the greatest superpower the world has ever known. When vital freedoms are on the line, wars are being fought by our children on the other side of the world, and if the environment doesn’t ruin us than saving it will, we can’t afford to vote “present”. When politicians forsake their beliefs to sell-out our interests or disguise their beliefs to maintain their power, we can’t afford to vote straight-ticket ignorance. And when the rights afforded to the enemies in our midst who are plotting to kill us are valued more highly than the lives of our own citizenry, we can’t afford to put political-correctness above the sense that suddenly seems uncommon.

It’s high time we recognize and give greater thought to the beliefs that we live by as well as those that govern those who govern us. It is not up to us to judge the souls of men, but it is entirely appropriate—even incumbent on us—to judge their performance and, more significantly, their worldview. It is this investment and accountability that has made our union strong. And it is our culture’s long-standing beliefs that have made us prosperous. If we do not make our own choices, then others will decide for us.

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