I’ve been watching a major issue unfolding in the Presidential race. It has nothing to do with party affiliation. This issue goes beyond economics and philosophy. In fact, the symptoms I’m seeing transcend the Presidential race itself.

In increasing numbers, supporters of both candidates are shifting from ‘aggressive’ to ‘hostile.’

Of course, there is almost always a heated debate going on somewhere in America. But lately I’m seeing people seize on half-truths to rail against the opposition’s candidate.  Obama is being called an Arab muslim terrorist. McCain has been characterized as a doddering fool. Biden has been torched for a poor grasp of history. Palin is being slandered by some and exonerated by others, yet both sides are basing their opinions on the same panel’s rather lukewarm conclusion.

Every flaw is being magnified to the point of crisis. Every mistake is being blown out of proportion. That is not to say that the flaws and mistakes don’t exist. But we shouldn’t be turning each of them into capital offenses.

This carries over to our lives together as a community of faith. Pastors like me shouldn’t rail so vehemently against apathy and indifference when so many obviously do care. Christian neighbors would do well to remember grace is the foundation for what we believe. When our words and actions fail to show grace, then we do ourselves a disservice.

Rather than making the discussion personal, we should get back on message and stay there.