There seems to be a general lack of tolerance on both sides of the political spectrum. Tempers flare and emotions take hold, and words come out, harsh words that have repercussions in our lives and the lives of others.
When we call someone a “fascist” or a “nazi” whom we disagree, do we recognize that these are very charged words with very real, very distinct meanings? When we call someone a “communist” or describe him or her as “unpatriotic,” this too has very real meaning and very real power. Words have power and the words we use can shape the perceptions of people around us. And we live in an age where perception can be considered reality.
We, as a nation and a Church, need to step back a bit and look at the big picture. If we disagree with someone, there’s not necessarily a reason to describe them as “unfaithful to the Gospel” or a “heretic.” Words have power and words mean something. We have to be very judicious in how we speak.
Charity has to be the golden rule in our speech and in our actions. It doesn’t mean that we sugarcoat things or try to gloss over specific differences, pretending that they are not there, but we need to be civil. Remember the definition of a gentleman, according to Blessed John Henry Cardinal Newman (a thinker we need to rediscover in our age more than ever) from his work, “The Idea of a University”: “Hence it is that it is almost a definition of a gentleman to say he is one who never inflicts pain.”
Professor Ronald Begley in a 1993 article on Cardinal Newman’s idea of a gentleman states: “In his dealings with others he (the gentleman) is unobtrusive, he ‘concurs’ with their movements, he avoids ‘whatever may cause a jar or a jolt,’ he refrains from slander and gossip, and he does not bear grudges. In the face of misfortune he is resigned. In controversy he is clear-headed, forcible, decisive, and fair to his opponents. As for religion, the gentleman may be an unbeliever; but if he is, he will nevertheless support religious toleration.”
We need this idea of a gentleman (and all of what is said above can certainly be applied to a lady as well) more than ever. Words and actions are causing pain, and not only from the conservative side of the spectrum. Let’s all just pull back a bit to get a broader perspective. It may save our nation. It may save our souls.