Buddhist Catholic Contemplative Evangelical General Christian Hindu Jewish Latter-day Saint Muslim New Visions Progressive Christian

Beliefs

Topics

Columnists

Resource Library

Research Tools

Video

Podcasts

Thought Readers

Faith In Media Tracker

Newsletters

Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In Subscription Support

Follow Patheos

Home
Progressive Christian
Politics and Religion
Finding Hope in the Chaos of the Election & Social Media

Finding Hope in the Chaos of the Election & Social Media

Last updated on: September 29, 2024 at 3:10 pm by Robert Cottrell

0 Comments

Finding Hope in the Chaos of the Election & Social Media 2024-09-29T15:10:28-05:00 Robert Cottrell

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Image from Yogendra Singh

You know, I used to think elections were a time for us to come together as a society, to discuss what matters most, and to seek the common good. But lately, it feels like every election is a battleground. It brings out the very worst in us, doesn’t it? Instead of connection, we’re divided. Instead of listening, we’re shouting. Social media, a tool with such potential to bridge our differences, has become a megaphone for our ugliest instincts.

Let’s be honest: when we scroll through social media, we don’t just see political opinions anymore—we see a competition for who can shout the loudest, who can insult the hardest, who can paint the other side as “evil.” But we have to ask ourselves, Is this who we want to be?

The truth is, elections and social media reflect our fears, our pain, and our insecurities. We feel attacked, so we attack back. We feel unheard, so we scream louder. And we forget that on the other side of that screen or across the political aisle is a human being—a person with dreams, struggles, and worth. When we dehumanize someone because of their beliefs, we lose a part of our own humanity. That’s why this atmosphere feels so heavy, so toxic. It’s exhausting, isn’t it?

So what can we do?

In our work with FreedHearts, we have certainly been attacked, screamed at and worse. Am I angry about what is going on with this election, in the world, to marginalized people groups like LGBTQ+? Absolutely. But, I have tried to protect my own humanity by focusing my anger on the system and not on the person.

Beloved, we need to breathe. We’re being bombarded with an overload of opinions, facts (and lies), and emotional outbursts. We’re not built for that. Our nervous systems weren’t designed to take in this level of stress and confrontation 24/7. So, take a moment to pause. Step away from the chaos. Inhale deeply and ground yourself in what is true: you are not defined by your reactions, and you have the power to choose peace.

When we pause, we can respond rather than react. We can ask ourselves, “What am I feeling? Why do I feel threatened? What is this anger or fear pointing to?” It’s not about ignoring or dismissing these feelings but acknowledging them with compassion—both for ourselves and for others. This simple act of awareness can change everything.

Next, we need to remember that the person on the other side of that argument is not the enemy. The rhetoric we see on social media—and sometimes even from leaders—makes it seem like we’re in a life-or-death struggle with anyone who disagrees with us. But we’re not. As I said, the battles we face are against the systems. Religious. Financial. Political. We’re all people trying to make sense of a complicated, confusing world. That doesn’t mean we’ll always agree, but it does mean that we can focus on the real enemy, and respect each other’s humanity.

This isn’t to say we should ignore injustice or stay silent in the face of wrongdoing. Absolutely not. But there’s a way to stand up for what’s right, focus our attention on doing all we can to change these harmful systems, and be kind in the process. It means having conversations, not confrontations; asking questions, not making accusations; focusing on connection over correction.

And yes, it’s hard. When someone posts something that feels personal or inflammatory, our instinct is to hit back. But what if instead of responding with anger, we responded with curiosity? What if we tried to understand where they’re coming from—not to validate harmful ideas, but to understand the pain or fear that drives them, and the dangerous systems behind them?

Finally, we need to take care of ourselves.

This climate is toxic, and it’s okay to take a break. Set boundaries around your social media use, unfollow accounts that stir up anxiety, and surround yourself with people who bring out the best in you. You don’t have to engage with every argument or carry the weight of the world on your shoulders. Give yourself permission to rest, to heal, to focus on what truly matters in your life.

At the end of the day, elections will come and go. Social media trends will rise and fade. But our hearts—the way we choose to treat ourselves and others—that’s what will remain. We have the opportunity, even in these chaotic times, to be a light in the darkness. To show up with love, compassion, and grace, no matter how loud the noise around us becomes.

You don’t have to play the game the world is playing. Instead, let’s bring our hearts to the forefront. Let’s be the kind of people who, in the midst of division, are committed to connection. And in doing so, let’s remind ourselves and others of our shared humanity—the truth that we are all in this together.

For vibrant, supportive community, and extensive resources, come say hello.

Evangelical

Politics and Religion

Previous Post

September 10, 2024

Christian Nationalism is Distorting Christ's Message

Next Post

October 4, 2024 The Election: Is This Palpable Excitement or Abject Terror?

Recent Comments

0 | Leave a Comment

"Only To Genders male and female God ony created male and female .He loves everyone ..."

Charlotte Spee

Why God Is Not Offended by ..."

"God created male and Female that are the only 2 genders"

Charlotte Spee

Why God Is Not Offended by ..."

"I did not intend to endorse the way that some people project their own prejudices ..."

David N. Gray

The Lie Religion Told You About ..."

"well we will disagree of course on alternative lifestyle choices being bad behavior, but you ..."

Frank Holzhauser

Why I Wear Rainbow and Affirming ..."

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category Church & Religion Dear Susan Family Support Gay Weddings & Marriage GCN Conference Jesus Blog LGBTQ Support Parenting Personal Stories Suicide The Real Jesus Theology Transgender Uncategorized X Archived Posts

Select a Month August 2026 July 2026 June 2026 May 2026 February 2026 January 2026 December 2025 November 2025 October 2025 September 2025 August 2025 July 2025 May 2025 April 2025 March 2025 January 2025 November 2024 October 2024 September 2024 August 2024 July 2024 June 2024 May 2024 April 2024 March 2024 February 2024 January 2024 November 2023 October 2023 September 2023 August 2023 July 2023 June 2023 May 2023 April 2023 March 2023 June 2022 December 2021 May 2021 February 2021 November 2020 August 2020 July 2020 June 2020 May 2020 December 2019 November 2019 October 2019 May 2019 March 2019 January 2019 November 2018 March 2018 January 2018 October 2017 September 2017 August 2017 July 2017 June 2017 May 2017 April 2017 March 2017 February 2017 January 2017 December 2016 November 2016 October 2016 September 2016 August 2016 July 2016 June 2016 May 2016 April 2016 March 2016 February 2016 January 2016 December 2015 November 2015 October 2015 September 2015 August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 May 2015 April 2015 March 2015 February 2015 January 2015 December 2014 November 2014 October 2014 September 2014 August 2014 July 2014 June 2014 May 2014 April 2014 March 2014 February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 May 2013 April 2013 March 2013 February 2013 January 2013 December 2012 November 2012 October 2012 September 2012 August 2012 July 2012 June 2012 May 2012 April 2012 March 2012 February 2012 January 2012

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

True or False: The Sermon on the Mount includes the Lord's Prayer.

Select your answer to see how you score.

TRUE FALSE

Support this
Column