Ethicist and broadcaster Frank Ritchie joins Andrew Urquhart fresh from a week-long monastic retreat at Southern Star Abbey, reflecting on a renewed sense of the cross's weight after walking the Stations of the Cross. He uses that experience to frame how Christians should approach the approaching 7 November election, cautioning against the polarisation and relationship breakdowns he sees fuelled by political tribalism.
Drawing on Matthew 22 and the example of early Christian writer Justin Martyr, Ritchie argues believers should resist the urge to "rage" against political opponents and instead model respect and gentleness even amid sharp disagreement. He encourages Christians to still engage democratically - asking not just how but "would Jesus vote" - while keeping politics in its proper place, reminding listeners that salvation is found in the cross and resurrection, not in any party or policy.
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