House Divided
Division, Dangerous Rhetoric, Hate and Violence
“A house divided against itself cannot stand…”
After Abraham Lincoln accepted the Illinois Republican Party’s nomination as the U.S. senator in 1858, he spoke these famous words. He saw the signs of the country’s division, rhetorical speech, and a possible Civil War approaching. This was not the first time these words had been spoken; Lincoln was quoting the words of Elbridge Gerry.
Elbridge Gerry was one of the Founding Fathers, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, delegate at the Constitutional Convention, Governor of Massachusetts, and Vice President for James Madison. Gerry strongly opposed the formation of political parties as he believed they would lead to politicians’ loyalty to their parties over the Constitution and the country’s needs and unity, but in 1812 he fell to the temptation of partisanship. As Governor, he and his party created the first twisted state district map for Massachusetts, which people thought looked like the shape of a salamander. His name became forever associated with the term ‘Gerrymandering’ which has come to be known as a symbol of political division. As Texans residents in 2025 are quite aware, the practice remains throughout American states today. NOTE: There is a picture of the gerrymandered Massachusetts map of 1812 at the end of this blog.
America will celebrate the 250th anniversary of America’s Independence on July 4, 2026. Unfortunately, political division has grown in our country over the last few decades and currently seems to be accelerating. Divisions within families, friends, or countries can lead to hateful rhetorical speech, which often leads to various forms of violence. We already can see the cracks in our political systems and society today, and physical violence is increasing. Resource: Substack- The Great Transformation with Mike Madred:
Sept. 12, 2025, article: “House Divided.”
Now is the time for Christian Americans to stand up in unity against division, hateful speech, violence, corruption, greed, and excessive power in our country.
How can we stand in unity against the current harmful words, actions, and governmental systems?
One way to stand together is through WRUMC and the JAG committee which began meeting this summer. As stated in the UMC Social Principles, United Methodists are strong believers in environmental, social, economic, and political justice. JAG will present these justice themes within the areas of Education, Advocacy, and Outreach. We are now in the process of narrowing the list of multiple justice choices and hope to focus on a few specific themes. The entire White Rock Church family will be able to participate through the JAG educational and discussion classes, provide advocacy resources, and promote specific outreach opportunities. We will also show discuss UMC websites for you to learn about the UMC Social Principles and the Book of Resolutions.
JAG also requests that you engage in conversations on various justice and other discussion themes. Today’s discussion questions are:
1. What is your perspective on today’s four topics of division, dangerous rhetoric, hate and violence?
2. What are the underlying root causes for these four topics?
3. There are no easy solutions, but can your group brainstorm steps leading to solutions for any of these topics?
4. What is your interpretation of Luke 12:51-52? Do you think that I have come to bring peace to the earth? No, I tell you, I have come instead to bring division. How and why would Jesus come to divide?
Please allow all participants to voice their opinions and be respectful of differing perspectives. JAG would love to hear about the results of your conversation. You can email us at jag@wrumc.org with questions, concerns, and comments.
NOTE: Our first JAG classes will be on the topic of Tyranny and Authoritarianism and will be on Sunday, October 19 and 26 from 9:30-1030. Please read the small, short book, ‘On Tyranny’ by Timothy Snyder (hard copy or e book) before you attend the class. We will present video resources on both topics and have time for discussions. The subject is political but not partisan and all perspectives are welcome.
Blessings,
JAG
1812 Massachusetts Gerrymandered State District Map
“A house divided against itself cannot stand…”
After Abraham Lincoln accepted the Illinois Republican Party’s nomination as the U.S. senator in 1858, he spoke these famous words. He saw the signs of the country’s division, rhetorical speech, and a possible Civil War approaching. This was not the first time these words had been spoken; Lincoln was quoting the words of Elbridge Gerry.
Elbridge Gerry was one of the Founding Fathers, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, delegate at the Constitutional Convention, Governor of Massachusetts, and Vice President for James Madison. Gerry strongly opposed the formation of political parties as he believed they would lead to politicians’ loyalty to their parties over the Constitution and the country’s needs and unity, but in 1812 he fell to the temptation of partisanship. As Governor, he and his party created the first twisted state district map for Massachusetts, which people thought looked like the shape of a salamander. His name became forever associated with the term ‘Gerrymandering’ which has come to be known as a symbol of political division. As Texans residents in 2025 are quite aware, the practice remains throughout American states today. NOTE: There is a picture of the gerrymandered Massachusetts map of 1812 at the end of this blog.
America will celebrate the 250th anniversary of America’s Independence on July 4, 2026. Unfortunately, political division has grown in our country over the last few decades and currently seems to be accelerating. Divisions within families, friends, or countries can lead to hateful rhetorical speech, which often leads to various forms of violence. We already can see the cracks in our political systems and society today, and physical violence is increasing. Resource: Substack- The Great Transformation with Mike Madred:
Sept. 12, 2025, article: “House Divided.”
Now is the time for Christian Americans to stand up in unity against division, hateful speech, violence, corruption, greed, and excessive power in our country.
How can we stand in unity against the current harmful words, actions, and governmental systems?
One way to stand together is through WRUMC and the JAG committee which began meeting this summer. As stated in the UMC Social Principles, United Methodists are strong believers in environmental, social, economic, and political justice. JAG will present these justice themes within the areas of Education, Advocacy, and Outreach. We are now in the process of narrowing the list of multiple justice choices and hope to focus on a few specific themes. The entire White Rock Church family will be able to participate through the JAG educational and discussion classes, provide advocacy resources, and promote specific outreach opportunities. We will also show discuss UMC websites for you to learn about the UMC Social Principles and the Book of Resolutions.
JAG also requests that you engage in conversations on various justice and other discussion themes. Today’s discussion questions are:
1. What is your perspective on today’s four topics of division, dangerous rhetoric, hate and violence?
2. What are the underlying root causes for these four topics?
3. There are no easy solutions, but can your group brainstorm steps leading to solutions for any of these topics?
4. What is your interpretation of Luke 12:51-52? Do you think that I have come to bring peace to the earth? No, I tell you, I have come instead to bring division. How and why would Jesus come to divide?
Please allow all participants to voice their opinions and be respectful of differing perspectives. JAG would love to hear about the results of your conversation. You can email us at jag@wrumc.org with questions, concerns, and comments.
NOTE: Our first JAG classes will be on the topic of Tyranny and Authoritarianism and will be on Sunday, October 19 and 26 from 9:30-1030. Please read the small, short book, ‘On Tyranny’ by Timothy Snyder (hard copy or e book) before you attend the class. We will present video resources on both topics and have time for discussions. The subject is political but not partisan and all perspectives are welcome.
Blessings,
JAG
1812 Massachusetts Gerrymandered State District Map
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