Physical principles throughout the universe support the theory of moderation and help explain why people tend to go to extremes. Consider how much easier it is to bowl toward the gutters. It doesn’t take much skill or thought to let the ball fly one way or the other. And, as with the temptation to fall into extreme ideologies, once you’re stuck in a rut, it’s hard to change course. But while extremist groups have a lot of loose energy and momentum flying around, they just aren’t hitting the mark. We’ve got to find the sweet spot on the tennis racket if we’re going to win the game.
Conservative and liberal viewpoints are the two great seas of human thought. Systems tend to get stuck in the conflict between these two great seas, as waves of dissension thrash the boat. The widespread existence of these two elements throughout society suggests that it was God’s intent for people to see things from different perspectives. Just as he knew two eyes would be better than one, he intended for these ideological viewpoints to function as collective “eyes,” to provide societal depth perception. Both sides usually have excellent points to share but also have blind spots. Thus, they need each other.
But instead of working together, they often get stuck in gridlock and “remain immovable” rather than accepting the efficient dual model God designed with its built-in checks and balances. Many envision society as a cyclops monster where only one viewpoint prevails. To understand the importance of both perspectives, think about the analogy that compares ideologies to giving a man a fish versus teaching him to fish. Isn’t it true that you should rather…
Give a man a fish, so he won’t starve while you’re teaching him to fish?
Or even better, give him a chickpea tuna salad sandwich and teach him how to make it (hey, don’t knock it ‘till you try it). Without each other, liberals are in danger of giving away all their fish and having nothing left to give but free hugs, while conservatives are in danger of overfishing and polluting the stream. Being willing to consider each other’s viewpoints can prevent both toxic extremes. And the nice thing about listening to someone’s viewpoint is, it makes it more likely they will listen to yours.
Extreme viewpoints cause a “bounce” effect that leads to polarization. These are the waves that cast up mire and dirt. Extremism works against itself by strengthening its opposing forces. For example, forcefully promoting a radical viewpoint often emboldens those who disagree with it, leading to more resolute opposition.
A grim example of why extremes are evil can be seen in how it was extremist conservatives and liberals that put Jesus on the Cross. The attitudes of both of these groups proved to be in opposition to him. Avoiding extreme viewpoints can keep us from crucifying Christ afresh and breaking up the stern from under us, by contributing to waves of social unrest.
It takes nobility of purpose to refuse the coercive and dominating influences of group think. This was likely among the reasons conservative and liberal extremists united in their zeal against Christ. Although it’s not always easy to be different, God supports and strengthens all who seek this path. And, as Jesus’ life showed, God and one is a majority that can change the world.
It’s important not to mistake moderation for compromise, though. The division between good and evil is a fence to never sit on or remove. Moderation combines good elements from different perspectives, rather than good with evil. It’s the purest principle of the universe in how it blends mercy and justice, like the mingled wine of wisdom. Its source flows from when those two qualities met on the Cross, mirroring themes of redemption and reconciliation established there:
Come, eat of my bread and drink of the wine I have mixed. 6 Forsake foolishness and live; walk in the way of understanding. Proverbs 9:5, 6
This mingling is like the blending of colors, such as how purple combines red and blue. And since neither red nor blue alone can produce purple, it also represents productivity. Moderation is a fruitful principle, a powerhouse of effectiveness. The association of purple with grapes is key to understanding why moderation is essential to those who labor for the fulfillment of God’s promise to fill the earth with fruit before the final harvest (Isaiah 27:6, Matthew 13:23-30).
In the comparison of temperatures to red and blue, moderation is the tolerable range on the thermostat. To stay within that range requires the contribution of both hot and cold. When red and blue are functioning as they should, they stand as sentinel guardians of the purple range. In some seasons, we need more input from red, in others more from blue. This shows how neither red nor blue is lost within the concept of purple and exemplifies how continuous input from opposing elements is crucial to the functioning of all systems.
The universal principles of truth and wisdom governing the eagle’s flight make it an apt symbol for a country that divine favor has especially blessed. The principles of balance, vision, and skill that keep it aloft and allow it to hunt with precision are the same that must be upheld at every level throughout the land.
Such principles have been increasingly lost sight of. From the street level to the policy desk, people are espousing radical ideologies instead of working together in harmony. Rather than soaring in victorious flight, the American eagle is on the chopping block, squawking, with feathers flying everywhere as opposing parties try to pull it apart.
When are we going to realize it takes two wings to fly this bird?
Almost every known issue needs a balanced perspective that comes from contrasting input, and the two-party system provides for that. The governing principles of our nation are based on both mercy and justice. Together with inspired common sense, they should be allowed to guide decisions.
But when the system fails, our efforts must be grassroots instead of through legislation. The attitude of individuals often reflects in multitudes, and vice versa, because each person affects the lives of others. This is why doing good in some quiet employment can make the world a better place. You may not see the difference you’re making, but God can multiply your efforts like the loaves and fishes on the shores of Galilee.
Every individual must make it a personal mission to keep our nation indivisible. We must seek to do what is right, act with sound reason, and avoid corruption. We must be respectful yet firm in what we believe, assertive yet not aggressive. The more people embrace right principles, the wider the wave of healing influence will spread.
This country is not the only one at risk. Most countries are dealing with similar issues and are just as in need of people who are willing to exert uplifting influences. The battle between good and evil is heating up in these last days. God is calling his children all over the earth to labor for goodness and truth.
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This article is composed of excerpts from my book, Nautical Allegories of Scripture, now available in paperback or eBook formats on Amazon.com.