Gutter politics & attack ads

The countdown has already begun for the next general election, as can be seen by the new wave of heated political rhetoric, gutter politics and attack ads.

In this climate, I often struggle to feel comfortable in the political sphere to which God has called me. And yet I recognise that it is when politics is at its darkest that Christians can raise their voices and values to enable the barrier-breaking unconditional love of God to shine most brightly. The beaming picture of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak alongside the allegation that he is personally responsible for the lack of prison time for those who sexually assault children has definitely brought headlines for the Labour Party over the past few weeks. It has also reminded the country of the Conservative Party’s equally low blow a few years ago when Prime Minister Boris Johnson accused Sir Keir Starmer of failing to prosecute Jimmy Savile.

I find it hard to associate myself with politics when it turns into what Christian MP Tim Farron describes as ‘mucky business’. I don’t feel at home in either of the two main parties. I sometimes struggle to know how to navigate politics as a Christian. Often, I find myself wondering if I am making any difference whatsoever.