We Need Moderation in American Politics

Today is the anniversary of the inauguration of our nation’s first president, at least the first person to be president after the ratification of our current Constitution. George Washington was sworn in as our nation’s first Chief Executive on April 30, 1789.

What would Washington think of the United States today?

That’s a tough question to answer, of course. I’m sure he’d be amazed in many respects. He’d probably be happy about some things, concerned about some things, and outraged about some things. I think one thing that would deeply concern him the state of American politics today.

I’m not going to sugarcoat this: our politics are broken.

Not just a little dysfunctional. Not just “needs improvement.” Broken.

We scream, we shame, we cancel, we hate. We divide ourselves into tribal echo chambers and treat disagreement like heresy. And even within our tribes, we devour one another with suspicion, virtue-signaling, and purity tests.

It’s toxic. And it’s tearing America apart.

It’s exactly the kind of thing President Washington warned us about. He warned us not to divide into factions, but to instead see ourselves as Americans — and to concentrate our affections accordingly.

Like Washington, I’m not here to push one political party over another.

But I am here to remind us—as citizens, neighbors, and especially believers—that our conduct matters. As a pastor, I feel I need to remind all of us that the way we engage in the public square should reflect the character of Christ, not the chaos of cable news.

Where Did All the Moderates Go?

Once upon a time, it was common for Americans to disagree—sometimes passionately—and still go to cookouts together. You could vote differently from your neighbor without being labeled a traitor to democracy or morality. That’s not to say everything was perfect back then—it wasn’t—but most people tried to live by a simple rule: don’t be a jerk.

Today? That rule seems forgotten.

Moderation is mocked as weakness. Nuance is viewed as betrayal. Listening is seen as surrender. And patience? Please. That’s for “sellouts.”

But let’s be clear: moderation is not cowardice. Moderation is courage with restraint. It is conviction with humility. It is strength under control.

The Bible on Moderation, Listening, and Humility

You want to know how Christians should engage in politics? Start with the Bible:

“Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.” – Philippians 4:5
“He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.” – Proverbs 14:29
“Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.” – James 1:19
“Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.” – Proverbs 16:18
“Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.” – Proverbs 13:10
“If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.” – Romans 12:18
“Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.” – Matthew 5:9

These are not suggestions. These are divine imperatives.

We Need a National Heart Check

Moderates are not the problem. They are the glue holding this country together.

George Washington was such a moderate. We need more like him.

We need fewer rage-fueled ideologues and more reasonable neighbors. We need people who can seek truth without seeking to destroy their opponents. We need citizens who value character over charisma, principle over party, and policy over posturing.

If you’re angry at the state of the world, I get it. But don’t respond to chaos by adding more chaos.

Instead…