Reconciliation via TV news

Many Christian congregations in the US are divided, sometimes bitterly so, into pro and anti-Trump factions. Preachers have a hard time keeping civility, love and fellowship in such congregations. Let me suggest a spiritual exercise and discipline that might help in this matter.

Have two families from each side meet for a covered dish, followed by praying for each other’s needs. No politics here. Then during the evening news hours listen to both Fox News and CNN. This is preceded by a short prayer asking God to reveal what is good and true in the newscasts. After this the adults attending must share something positive that they gleaned from the news network they dislike. Negative or snarky comments are not allowed. For instance, a Trump supporter may say, “I found the CNN coverage of sports very good,” and that anti-Trump person say, “The segment on the Covid numbers in Alaska was very interesting,” etc.

I believe if this is done in good faith and for several weeks there will begin to flourish an understanding of the other’s viewpoints, not necessarily agreement, but an understanding that can lead to more civil discourse and restored harmony in the church.

Any takers out there?