Virtually no pundits or prognosticators believed in a Donald Trump victory. And yet in November of 2016, President-Elect Donald Trump not only won the election, shocked the political class and destabilized the mainstream media, he has also moved to calm tensions and recently met with President Obama to generally positive reviews. Appointments of the President elect have encouraged and enraged and the political class is full of shocked and delighted responses. Disequilibrium is now the norm for the electorate and the political elite. Left and right continue to polarize and demonize the other “side”. Disequilibrium, even if temporary, is the shared lot of all.

Are we entering into a new era in American life or are going to see further polarization and demonization in accelerated fashion? In the 1970’s, Francis Schafer asked the question, “How Should We Then Live?”, in response to the challenges of that era. Now, some 4 decades later, many followers of Jesus Christ are grappling with how to respond to a world in transition and people in pain or uncertainty.

I am convinced that followers of Christ are faced with the single greatest opportunity of my lifetime. American society is filled with yet another election where the outcome is disappointing or frightening to almost 50% of the voting electorate, and exhilarating or encouraging to the remaining voters. However, regardless of where you are on the spectrum, this election season and election result has brought about disequilibrium for everyone. Street and campus demonstrations are matched with workplace, home, and church discussions that are challenging. Followers of Jesus are grappling with how to respond with certainty in uncertain times.