Writer and commentator Jonathan Ayling reflects on a tense, anticlimactic election night and the negative, at times racist and abusive, online campaigning highlighted by recent Victoria University research into political Facebook posts. He shares how attending church the morning after voting, and joining others in singing, became an unexpected antidote to political hangover and division.




Ayling argues New Zealand's liberal democracy depends on citizens actively contributing to shared, non-political common ground rather than outsourcing "social cohesion" to government or professionals, warning that rising identitarian politics and polarization - even within churches - erode the unity that makes differing political views safe to hold. He calls for everyday participation in churches, sports clubs and schools to rebuild that cohesion, rather than passively waiting for politicians to heal divides.



Tune into Thoughts & Comments from 10:00am - 2:00pm on the Rhema Media App.

For more from the show, visit the Thoughts & Comments page at rhema.co.nz.

Produced using AI tools under human supervision.

Writer and commentator Jonathan Ayling reflects on a tense, anticlimactic election night and the negative, at times racist and abusive, online campaigning highlighted by recent Victoria University research into political Facebook posts. He shares how attending church the morning after voting, and joining others in singing, became an unexpected antidote to political hangover and division. Ayling argues New Zealand's liberal democracy depends on citizens actively contributing to shared, non-political common ground rather than outsourcing "social cohesion" to government or professionals, warning that rising identitarian politics and polarization - even within churches - erode the unity that makes differing political views safe to hold. He calls for everyday participation in churches, sports clubs and schools to rebuild that cohesion, rather than passively waiting for politicians to heal divides. Tune into Thoughts &amp; Comments from 10:00am - 2:00pm on the Rhema Media App.For more from the show, visit the <a href="https://www.rhema.co.nz/listen-on-demand/video-podcast/thoughts-and-comments" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Thoughts &amp; Comments</a> page at rhema.co.nz.Produced using AI tools under human supervision.

Thoughts & Comments brings social commentary to current issues and a faith perspective to the latest news. Hosted by Andrew Urquhart, a seasoned broadcaster with over three decades of experience. In each episode, Andrew chats with a wide range of guests and experts who bring their wisdom and insight to a huge variety of topics, including politics, psychology, societal trends, theology, geopolitical analysis, social policy, and spirituality. We’ll give you something worth thinking about! Thoughts & Comments with Andrew Urquhart, wherever you get your Podcasts.

Thoughts &amp; Comments brings social commentary to current issues and a faith perspective to the latest news. Hosted by Andrew Urquhart, a seasoned broadcaster with over three decades of experience. In each episode, Andrew chats with a wide range of guests and experts who bring their wisdom and insight to a huge variety of topics, including politics, psychology, societal trends, theology, geopolitical analysis, social policy, and spirituality. We&rsquo;ll give you something worth thinking about! Thoughts &amp; Comments with Andrew Urquhart, wherever you get your Podcasts.

Thoughts & Comments Podcast

Thoughts & Comments brings social commentary to current issues and a faith perspective to the latest news. Hosted by Andrew Urquhart, a seasoned broadcaster with over three decades of experience, chatting with a wide range of guests and experts who bring their wisdom and insight to a huge variety of topics, including politics, psychology, societal trends, theology, geopolitical analysis, social policy, and spirituality. We’ll give you something worth thinking about! Thoughts & Comments with Andrew Urquhart, wherever you get your Podcasts.

Thoughts &amp; Comments brings social commentary to current issues and a faith perspective to the latest news. Hosted by Andrew Urquhart, a seasoned broadcaster with over three decades of experience, chatting with a wide range of guests and experts who bring their wisdom and insight to a huge variety of topics, including politics, psychology, societal trends, theology, geopolitical analysis, social policy, and spirituality. We&rsquo;ll give you something worth thinking about! Thoughts &amp; Comments with Andrew Urquhart, wherever you get your Podcasts.