People Don’t Change Because You Get Angry
In the last fifty years, overwhelming change has happened in America, especially when it comes to moral issues. Back when I was a child, prayer in schools was perfectly normal (especially during exams), abortion was clearly wrong, and marriage was a sacred bond between a man and a woman.
Besides the changes themselves, the attitude of the wider culture on those previously held positions has grown remarkably antagonistic. People of faith are made fun of on prime time TV, movies, in the news, and late night talk shows. Those who held the exact same position on marriage as former President Barack Obama during his first presidential campaign, suddenly found themselves out of step and ridiculed as backwards. Even presidential candidate Bernie Sanders said that Christians shouldn’t be allowed to run for office because they’re so “hateful.”
Regardless of your position on these and other issues, such a dramatic shift in such a short time has left many people – particularly in faith communities – wondering what happened. I understand the frustration and even anger from people who’s world has been turned upside down. When Christians are accused of having a mental illness simply because they believe in God, who wouldn’t be upset?
But one important thing to remember is that “anger strategies” in response isn’t the answer. The Bible never calls us to throw our weight around. Our job isn’t to ridicule others – no matter how serious the slight. As Jesus hung on the cross having been unfairly beaten, humiliated, and tortured, he didn’t criticize the Romans, he asked God to forgive them.
For those who struggle with such dramatic moral shifts, it’s important to remember that people don’t change because we get mad or yell at them. If our goal is truly to win the world, it’s time to try something else.
In our new book “The Way Back: How Christians Blew Our Credibility and How We Get It Back” we outline what that “something else” could look like. You can order it here, and I’d be curious about your opinion.
Phil Cooke, PhD. has been called “one of the most innovative communicators of our generation.” As a media producer, writer, speaker, and consultant, his client list includes major film studios and TV networks as well as major Christian organizations like Voice of the Martyrs, The Museum of the Bible, The Salvation Army, and others. He’s also coached and consulted with many of the most influential churches and nonprofit organizations in the world, helping them use media to tell their story. You can hear his podcast here.
