I try not to write about politics. America is polarized, and I would prefer to concentrate on our common values rather than divisions. I seek unity rather than separation. The reason I chose this Tocqueville series was its relevance to our post-modern world. Individualism, taken to extremes, can destroy democracy. Americans cherish their constitution so dearly that battlefields are stained with rivers of American blood given in defense of freedom. However, loving our inalienable individual rights must be balanced with protecting communal rights. In my first book, Trading with God, I wrote about the need to balance self-actualization with community. Self-actualization standing alone can harm our neighbor and Christians are commanded to love their neighbor. (Mark 12:31)
This week, I watched the Democratic National Convention (DNC). Each weekday evening, a series of prominent persons spoke to a raucous audience of Democratic leaders from around the country. The Republicans held a similar convention last month in Milwaukee. I listened intently to try to pick out religious and individualist statements. To my surprise, Biblical verses were quoted or alluded to by many speakers. Some did not directly reference the quoted Scripture, others stated the book of the Bible, and a few used the term “from the good book.” Most Biblical references were about how we treat our neighbors. During the third evening, Psalm 30:5 was quoted: “Weeping may linger for the night, but joy comes with the morning.” Psalm 30 sings praises to God: “Sing praises to the Lord, O you his faithful ones, and give thanks to his holy name.” (Psalm 30:4)
I heard many references to individualism. Over and over, speakers shouted: “Mind your own business”, “It’s my body”, and “Don’t let the government into your home.” Complex issues, like abortion, sexuality, and economics were reduced to individualistic slogans rather than contrasting them with righteous communal living. The RNC and DNC simplified complex social issues into pithy statements since their goal is to win elections and gain power. However, good governmental policy must balance individualism with community, a difficult task to accomplish in a divided country.
Alexis de Tocqueville (1805–1859) wrote that “individualism is greater at the end of a democratic revolution than at any other period. … The great advantage enjoyed by Americans is to have reached democracy without the sufferings of a democratic revolution and to have been born equal instead of becoming so.” (Part 2, Chapter 3, p. 590–1) He is referring to his native France’s suffering during the French Revolution. However, Tocqueville died before witnessing post-modern America. Perhaps he would have retracted this statement.
In Chapter 4 (p. 591–5), Tocqueville wrote about “how Americans combat the effects of individualism by free institutions.” Democracy and tyranny are two extreme forms of government; both have issues, but Americans choose democracy. “Equality places men shoulder to shoulder, unconnected by any common tie. Tyranny erects barriers between them and keeps them separate. The former persuades them not to think of their fellows while the latter turns their indifference into a sort of public virtue.” After almost 200 years since Tocqueville wrote Democracy, his statement on elections still rings true: “They think of their fellows out of ambition and they often find it is somewhat in their interest to forget themselves. I accept that in opposition to this view I may here have to account for all the intrigues born of an election, the shameful methods often used by candidates, and the personal abuse spread by their enemies. These are opportunities for hatred which occur all the more often as elections become more frequent.”
How do Americans combat individualism? Tocqueville advocates “entrusting citizens with the management of minor affairs.” This constantly reminds them of “their constant need of each other. … The love and respect of your neighbors must be gained by a long series of small services, hidden deeds of goodness, a persistent habit of kindness, and an established reputation of selflessness.” Religion provides the constant reminder of community; the need to love your neighbor as yourself and break free from selfishness. It brings equal citizens together, with all their individualism, and places them equally before God who commands them to find common righteous ground.
Tocqueville gently reprimands elected officials who seek the credit for prosperity that “it is not the elected official who produces the prosperity of American democracy but the fact that the official is elected.” Religion reminds people that if it were not for God’s creation, they would not exist. God’s commandments are not punishment but rules that balance individuality within community. God calls individuals to faith, then sends them out to love others. Tocqueville is still optimistic about the future of American democracy: “I have seen Americans making great and sincere sacrifices for the common good and a hundred times I have noticed that, when needs be, they almost always gave each other faithful support.”
Unlike the early Christians living in the Roman Empire, I have the right to vote in a democracy. I vote for candidates that allow for human flourishing within the common good. Their individual character and values are important, along with the way they treat the most vulnerable in our society. I cannot leave my Christian beliefs behind at the door when I proceed to the voting booth. Sometimes electoral choices are difficult, and other times very clear. I have been both delighted and disappointed in outcomes. In all cases, I pray for the Spirit to be present. I am so fortunate to live in the United States but know that it is not a perfect union. It takes all Americans to work together towards God’s Kingdom on earth.
