Overcoming The Great Divide

We are a divided country.  I cannot recall a time since the tumultuous sixties when our opinions on the issues are more varied.  Should we build a wall along the border and deport undocumented immigrants?  Should we allow people to use the bathroom of their choice?  Is the “Black Lives Matter” on target, meaning racism still exists in our country?    

There is little doubt that much of the division is rooted in the generation gap.  As a rule, older adults tend to be more conservative and young adults more liberal, but now it is not that simple.  Even among Millennials there tends to be some difference of opinion when it comes to topics like immigration and racism.  White Millennials tend to be less passionate about both issues.  One thing  Millennials hold in common is a low opinion of Donald Trump and most view him as a racist (73%). Beyond that topic things become a little unclear. 

When it comes to the deportation of undocumented immigrants, half of White Millennials (51%) are in favor.  We would expect Hispanic Millennials (18%) to stand against deportation, but Asians (25%) and Blacks (32%) also believe undocumented immigrants should not be deported.  On the issue of racism, Black Millennials have the strongest opinion with 80% agreeing with the “Black Lives Matter” movement.  While other Millennials might share that view, White Millennials are almost split with 54% agreeing it is an issue.  The reality is that even within a generational group we are a country that is very conflicted. 

I recently attended the City of Dallas sponsored vigil for the murdered police officers.  Thousands of people were there and it was a very diverse crowd.  All generations and races were present, and while the speakers provided an obvious Christian perspective other faiths were represented.  I saw a couple of Buddhist monks and at one point a group of Sheik men stood next to me.  Lesson learned: when we stand together and listen to each other we are taking steps toward breaking down the walls that divide us. 

The same theme applies to bridging the divide between older and young adults.  If we, as a Christian community, hope to reach the Millennial generation with the Gospel it must begin by listening to them and seeking to understand them.