I have a hard time with cynicism. I agree that we need to start questioning those who claim to speak for God. Even some very trusted evangelical names from the past are really going over the fear-mongering edge with this election. I think we’re in this boat because of a deeper cynicism, which makes people doubt their ability to think or hear the voice of God for themselves, or that there is any good in the world apart from the patriarchs on TBN and Christian radio. The only choice is to brainlessly, unquestioningly fall in line, like a scene from Pink Floyd’s “The Wall”. I don’t know if I would call a resistance movement against such forces “cynicism”. I personally would call it protestantism, which should never drop its guard and never surrender to fear, manipulation, and bullying (or only look for trouble under pointy hats).

But I am also really challenged by Bonhoeffer’s comments on judgementalism. We can judge based on our fallen nature’s lust for the knowledge of good and evil (I just want to prove I know something, that I’m right) or a judgement which leads to reconciliation, which Christ taught. I am interested in knowing how do we save some of these evangelical leaders, who are perched on the ledge like a penniless Wall Street stockbroker. If some of these leaders jump into the abyss over their fear and despair of the potential outcome of this election, they could take many of us with them.

Yes, I’m definitely praying. I don’t know what else to do.