What is the radical middle?
Politics is broken. You and I feel it and we’re not alone. 61% of Americans identify as the exhausted majority.
We see through the smoke and mirrors of strict alignment with each party and want something more. We are tired of the polarized political narratives. We are tired of the shouting. We are tired of the false promises and paralyzing fears.
The good news is that there is an alternative. Something more transcendent, meaningful, even life-giving. When culture pushes you to a side, it’s a radical move to hold the middle. Especially when you are rooted in something other than the left or right. Let’s choose to stand there, together. Refuse to demonize the other. Choose to listen with grace and empathy. Refuse to give way to division, fear, or hatred. Stop looking for hope in the fleeting empires of the earth. Choose together. Let’s choose the Radical Middle—a movement to have peace no matter the president, value people over politics, and champion personal impact over political power.
Join us in the movement.
Brian Tome
HOW TO NOT PANIC AND TAKE HEART
Straight from the bible
As you read these, make note of everything that stands out.
I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble.
But take heart! I have overcome the world.
John 16:33
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.
Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.
John 14:27
The Lord has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all.
Psalm 103:19
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
Matthew 5:9
Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor. Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust. For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly.
1 Peter 2:13-19
So that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.
Ephesians 3:10
Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.
Colossians 4:5-6
The Kingdom Truth
How to see politics through a Kingdom lens
| CONSERVATIVE | LIBERAL | KINGDOM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| AMERICAN IDENTITY | Founded on the ideals of freedom, family, faith, and individual hard work to be a shining example to the world. | Founded on the ideals of freedom, opportunity, and equality, as a communal melting pot to be a shining example to the world. | We can love our country, but our identity in and loyalty to Jesus transcends our national allegiance. The Church is to be a shining example to the world. |
| GOVERNMENT | Intrusive government is the primary barrier to human freedom and flourishing. | A protective government is the primary way to ensure freedom and justice for all. | Government is a deeply flawed, human system. But it’s also a system God has used in the past, and will use in the future to do his will. |
| ECONOMY | Prosperity comes when people and businesses are freed up from regulation and taxes so the free market can utilize its power to create innovation, jobs, and profit. | Prosperity comes when all people and businesses are assured a fair playing field through appropriate intervention, regulation, and redistribution of resources. | Prosperity does not come from money. Money is a tool to honor God, bless others, and be blessed. Work hard and be a good steward because to whom much is given much is required. |
| THE PROBLEM | The rise of progressive pluralism, fueled by those who hate America, is challenging and compromising the values that made our nation the strongest, most prosperous nation in the world. | The regressive values of the past, still promoted by the ignorant and hateful, are barricades to both individuals and society from truly flourishing. | Every human and every human system is corrupted by sin. Sin causes us to place hope in earthly leaders and parties, in which no final hope exists. |
| OUR SOLUTION | By defeating the political and cultural power of the liberal left, we can refocus on individual character and moral development, leading to a better society. | By defeating the political and cultural power of the conservative right, we can fix the broken systems that are holding us back as a people. | By defeating Satan through following Jesus as both King and Savior, we can experience more of God’s good kingdom on Earth. |
| OUR REASON FOR HOPE | If we preserve the moral, cultural, economic, and political values of our past, we will withstand the worldly gravitational pull to the bottom and our nation will once again thrive. | If we allow our moral, cultural, economic, and political values to evolve, we will free ourselves from the bonds of the past until we truly thrive. | If we follow Jesus, lead others to him, and engage our culture in a healthy way, we will pave the way for his life-giving truth and those who follow him will receive eternal life. |
A Social Media
Engagement Checklist:
How to decide if you should post something political or jump into a conversation about political issues. And, what does God say? If you can honestly say yes to all 6 sections below, then stay in the conversation and post away.
“I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”
Matthew 12:36
1. I understand the potential of my words to destroy or give life to people around me?
Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.
Proverbs 18:21
2. Others have said that I typically listen before speaking?
Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.
James 1:19
3. I have a close relationship with someone who holds an opposing point of view?
A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion.
Proverbs 18:2
4. I have the good of my viewer/listener in mind as I post/speak?
Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.
Philippians 2:3-4
5. My words sound gentle and authentically kind? (You may want to ask someone else to weigh-in)
Remind them...to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.
Titus 3:2
6. The result of my words will be more peace and unity among the people around me?
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
Matthew 5:9