Last week, Senator John Fetterman shared something that caught my attention, not for political reasons, but for what it revealed about our cultural moment. In an interview, he told Katie Couric that the harshest, most personal attacks he receives don’t come from conservative critics, but from the far-left corner of the internet.
He described messages praying for his death and people who wished his children would discover his body. Fetterman said that compared to this, disagreement from the right amounted to name-calling, and “there’s a difference between just saying mean things versus wishing my death.”
Now, you and I disagree with Sen. Fetterman on plenty of issues of significance. But we are all created in God’s image, so hearing that kind of cruelty should grieve every Christian. And it’s a timely reminder of our biblical call: to pray for all who are in authority (1 Timothy 2:1–2), regardless of whether we voted for them or agree with them.
Praying for our leaders doesn’t mean endorsing what they believe. It simply means we take Christ’s command seriously—to intercede for those in authority so that “we may lead peaceful and quiet lives” and so their hearts may turn toward what is good and true. If Senator Fetterman is receiving that kind of hatred from his own ideological side, he needs our prayers as much as anyone else in public life.
It also made me think of something Andrew T. Walker, professor at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, said earlier this year.
When Conservatism Becomes a Gateway to Faith
Walker reflected on a new Pew Religious Landscape Study showing something remarkable:
People with conservative political instincts are far more likely to identify as Christian. In many cases, conservative beliefs actually open the door to Christian faith.
He put it simply:
“Conservatism can be a gateway into Christianity.”
Why? Because conservatism and Christianity, though not synonymous by any stretch of the imagination, share a posture toward objective reality. Both accept that truth exists. Both recognize that human nature is real and not endlessly self-constructed. Both affirm the family as a God-given institution. Both see liberty as something that must be ordered toward the moral good.
In a disordered age, those instincts often prepare the ground for the Gospel message.
That means many of our neighbors, coworkers, and even political allies may be closer to Christ than they realize. As Walker said, our job isn’t just to leave people with the political architecture; it’s to open the gate to the fullness of faith.
It’s also worth remembering that many who wear a Republican label are not yet Christ followers, but their grounding in reality on questions of life, identity, family, and moral truth may make their hearts more open to the One who is the source of all truth.
Likewise, many of our Democrat neighbors see their party drifting into deeper extremes and may be quietly searching for something steadier and more rooted in reality and reason. They may disagree with us about the role of government in solving problems, but we often still share common ground on basic truths about human nature and moral reality. Those shared instincts are invitations to meaningful conversations about the hope we have in Jesus through His sacrifice on the cross.
So What Does That Mean for Us?
Here are three challenges and encouragements to consider:
1. Let your speech be gracious, not angry.
If even Senator Fetterman says the harshest attacks come from the far left, let’s make sure we are not adding to the outrage culture. We can model firm conviction without mirroring the world’s cruelty.
2. See political conversations as opportunities for pre-evangelism.
Many who share your instincts about family, freedom, or protecting children may be more open to the Gospel than you think. A discussion about policy or legislation may become a doorway to a discussion about ultimate truth and the ultimate law-giver.
3. Pray for our leaders, especially those we disagree with.
Scripture does not give us a prayer exception clause. If Senator Fetterman is receiving death wishes and violent rants, that is not a moment for partisan point-scoring. It is a call for Christians to intercede. Prayer softens our hearts, shapes our witness, and reminds us that every leader is ultimately accountable to God.
Friend, I’m convinced more than ever that our work here in Pennsylvania matters, because people are hungry for truth, even when they don’t yet recognize it. And many are already standing just a step away from the doorway of faith.
It reminds me of Jesus’ words that the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few—a reminder that there are so many ready to hear truth, if only we step faithfully into the opportunities God puts in front of us
May God give us wisdom, courage, and compassion as we live out the hope we profess.
As you engage in conversations in the coming holiday weeks, political or otherwise, remember that your convictions may be pointing someone toward Christ without you even realizing it. Let’s steward that opportunity with boldness and grace. This is why we provide timely articles and updates at PAFamily.org so you can stay informed and grounded on the issues shaping life here in Pennsylvania. I invite you to sign up for our weekly email alerts and read our latest articles at PAFamily.org. They’re a helpful way to stay educated and ready for the moments God gives us.educated and ready for the moments God gives us.
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