MP 096: Do Politics Have To Be Divisive To My Marriage and Other Close Relationships?

This may be one of the most sensitive questions we’ve tackled on this podcast. But let me give you some good news when it comes to handling faith and politics in this conversation with Sarah Anderson on her view and approach to this topic. Regardless of where you land politically, I’m so excited she’s able to have that conversation with us. Sarah is a writer and speaker and she currently lives in Roswell, GA with her husband and two boys. Because we’re a podcast devoted to marriage, I’ve invited her husband Rodney to join us for this conversation.    Interview:   Sarah, talk a little bit about your story - where you grew up and all that stuff (2:34) Rodney, what about you? Give us a little about your growing up (4:13) I know what people are wanting to know now - politically are you two on the same page? (6:21) Sarah, your story is unique and this attitude I hear from you is so fresh and countercultural. But this was birthed long ago when your views started evolving and changing. Take us back to the story of when you started shifting away from your family of origin (9:45) You hit a point of crisis where you didn’t know if you could vote or not vote and you called your parents. (12:37) I’ll ask you this - you said you felt like you had to tell them. What was that birthed out of? (16:15) What is the Jesus-like response in the moments where your convictions take you to anger? (25:32) What’s the line between people who are not going to listen and people who are just brutal. What do you say to those folks? (30:15) What about those listening who say, “this feels really complicated - I’m never going to change their mind and they’re not going to change mine. Why bring it up?” (33:13) You guys share a story I’d love for you to share - about a moment you had about whether to wrap Santa gifts or not to wrap Santa gifts (36:23) I feel like what you’re talking about is throughout the whole book - let’s keep the relationship the most important thing (43:12)     RESOURCES: The Space Between Us: How Jesus Teaches Us To Live Together When Politics And Religion Tear Us Apart   We’d love to connect with you on Instagram or Facebook!   This episode was brought to you by the Married People Membership—an affordable, monthly subscription that provides married couples like you a ton of great resources every month to help you do marriage better. That means new date nights, videos, eBooks, messages, and more available to you when you need it - all in one place at one low price. Go to our website to find out more about the Married People Membership.   We hope you’ll join us for next week’s episode!