The Skyliner

Issue date: 2/6/08 Section: Opinion

"To Whom It May Concern: I was wondering if you were a professing Christian. If you are, why do you support a man running for a position to represent who we are as a nation that is not a Christian and supports homosexual marriage and abortion? I am quite worried about you. If you are in support of this you are disgracing the Christian belief."

These are just some of the words from a letter that was posted on the dorm room door of Nathan Willis, senior broadcast media, who supports Barack Obama in the upcoming 2008 presidential race.

"When I first read the note I felt very attacked. I felt this guy had attacked my beliefs without even giving me a chance to defend myself; and the more I talk to people on the campus, the more I realize that there are a lot more people like him," said Willis.

These types of instances are not rare on North Greenville's campus during a very heated political season. So many times, I hear students on campus who claim to be politically left, moderate, or even undecided, say they feel looked down upon.

This is also not a one sided issue targeting conservatives. I will openly admit that I, a lefty, downplay other students, and even faculty, in my own mind for their talk and support of conservative issues with which I may not agree.

In Romans 13: 1-7, Paul is writing to a church in Rome instructing them to submit to their governing authorities because God establishes all authority. In verse seven he says, "Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor."

Disrespect is everywhere, especially in politics.

This unacceptable behavior is obvious in the debates and advertisements on television between candidates, in biased and slanted media, and even on Facebook when students trash each other over political views.

We all owe our government, leadership, faculty and fellow students respect, not because of policies, but simply because they are people.

Things can get heated in the midst of political discourse. Maybe in those situations we should relax, swallow our pride and enjoy a sip from the glass of political tolerance.

I don't consider myself incredibly knowledgeable in the political realm, but this isn't about politics. It's about tact, common courtesy and showing the love and acceptance of Christ to our brothers and sisters in Christ, regardless of political leaning.

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