Embracing Civility

The Vanguard University and Matthew 5:9 Fellowship Partnership at the 2024 Presidential Debate Watch Party

by Dr. Eunice Kang (Assistant Professor of Political Science and International Relations at Vanguard University)

I recently attended the 2024 Presidential Debate Watch Party held at Vanguard University, where over 100 college students gathered to watch former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris meet face-to-face for a historic debate on Tuesday, September 10th.

In a time when political rhetoric often seems designed to divide rather than unite, Vanguard University has dedicated 2024 as the “Year of Civility” during this presidential election year. Across the country, the Matthew 5:9 Fellowship is also dedicated to fostering understanding and peacemaking in churches and communities. Our paths first crossed when Reverend Brandon Cleaver and Tom Breeden, Matthew 5:9 Fellowship Program Director and Senior Pastoral Advisor, led a workshop in Costa Mesa, California, hosted by Trellis, a non-profit organization. The workshop focused on addressing political polarization in American society for local pastors and leaders in the greater Orange County area. Faculty and staff from Vanguard University, including myself, were in attendance.

As a professor of political science and international relations, I was excited to hear about the importance of political psychology concepts, such as in-groups (groups we belong to) and out-groups (groups we do not belong to). It was eye-opening to explore the detrimental effects of hostile language—like “othering, aversion, and moralization”—used by in-group members when describing the out-group. After the event ended, we could have simply parted ways, but I’m grateful for Brandon and Tom’s welcoming attitude and their willingness to continue discussing these critical issues and their role in toxic political polarization.

In a follow-up call with Brandon and Tom, I learned more about Matthew 5:9 Fellowship’s vision to promote constructive political discourse. I also got to share how Vanguard University prioritizes fostering respectful dialogue and critical thinking, especially during the election cycle. When I mentioned our upcoming university-wide event for students to watch the presidential debate, our conversation naturally turned to ways the Matthew 5:9 Fellowship could partner to support this event.

Our partnership centered around the debate watch party, aiming to equip students with tools and insights for engaging in meaningful and respectful political dialogue. The Matthew 5:9 Fellowship team provided a PDF handout on identifying hostile, uncivil rhetoric, categorized along a political continuum: othering (treating people as different or alien), aversion (discrimination, exclusion, and hostility), and moralization (framing people as good versus evil). This analytical tool also influenced some of the bingo spaces in our university’s presidential debate bingo game. Positive terms like “extends a handshake” were included, alongside more negative items such as “othering,” “aversion,” and “moralization” to watch for during the debate. Moreover, the light refreshments provided by Matthew 5:9 Fellowship were a big hit with students, and many enjoyed the free popcorn station!

This collaboration highlighted our shared commitment to civility and emphasized the need to hold our leaders accountable for incivility.

Perpetual hostile discourse can lead to hatred and politically motivated violence. Educating students about the harmful language used by political elites is the first step in recognizing this problem. Only then can we offer solutions to mitigate the growing issue of toxic political division. One prescription to promote peacemaking and mutual respect is to encourage everyone– citizens, media, political candidates, and politicians–to focus on discussing policies and not personal attacks. We need a marketplace of ideas that fosters an environment where diverse perspectives can be discussed safely and respectfully, not a battlefield.

I value our new partnership and the impact that collaboration and intentional engagement can have on promoting civility in political discourse. As we move forward, I am inspired by the positive outcomes of this event and am committed to continuing our efforts to navigate political polarization with grace and understanding. I am grateful to Matthew 5:9 Fellowship for working with Vanguard University to build a more harmonious and respectful society. I look forward to future opportunities to partner again in our shared mission to embody the love and grace of Christ in all aspects of life, especially in the mission field of politics.