Conservative New York Times columnist Ross Douthat once described certain events as “scissor” stories, with headlines, statements, ideas, or scenarios “perfectly calibrated to tear people apart.” Regardless of details, those on the left feel obligated to react to these events one way, while those on the right feel obligated to react the opposite. But above all, everyone feels they must react, which means they feel obligated to comment on social media. 

The recent visit by Ukrainian President Zelensky to the Oval Office certainly fits the bill. The meeting was incredibly significant given the geopolitical stakes but, like most issues of war, international relations, and geopolitics, it was also complicated. That did not stop legions of social media users across the political spectrum, with various degrees of understanding, training, and education from immediately posting their “hot takes.”  

Noticing fellow clergy jumping into the online fray, theologian and pastor Kevin DeYoung offered words of caution:  

Political punditry is a legitimate calling. It’s just not the pastor’s calling. The man who comments constantly on the things “everyone is talking about” is almost assuredly not talking about the things the Bible is most interested in talking about. 

Pastors, DeYoung insisted, are not pundits. Their primary work is to preach the Word of God, lead the church in worship and sacrament, and minister to the needs of their flocks. Shepherding today certainly requires ministers to preach and teach on many issues deemed political, such as abortion, the definition of marriage, the reality of male and female, civic duty, and other cultural implications of Christian doctrine. If anything, more clarity and courage is needed from the pulpit on these topics.  

Still, the compulsive need to post and argue about every controversy, even when well outside of one’s knowledge and expertise, is not part of a pastor’s biblical job description. Not only can such “scissor” issues waste precious time and energy, but they also risk keeping shepherds from their primary vocation. Even worse, they risk being cut off from their sheep. Pundit pastors risk moralizing political strategies and policies that are not black-and-white, as if the Bible provides clear and unmistakable policy recommendations on immigration, tariffs, or foreign relations. It doesn’t, but acting as if it does only dilutes a pastor’s ability to preach the Gospel, teach the deep truths of Scripture, and clearly speak to those areas of personal and cultural morality that are plain and clear. That is especially tragic because so many pastors are unwilling to speak on such things, abandoning their congregations to fend for themselves and their families without biblical wisdom and church support. 

To be clear, God has called some of His people to be journalists, writers, and policy experts. It is their calling to know geopolitics, foreign policy, war, and other specialized areas and, often, to give informed, moral commentary. That is their calling. We look to such experts on Breakpoint. But having strong feelings about these issues is not the same as being called, nor is it the same as being informed. Sometimes it is wiser to remain silent. Sometimes it is best to not post.  

This is true for all Christians, not just pastors. Social media constantly tempts us to pretend we are more informed than we are, to “virtue signal,” to take sides, and to seek attention by being controversial. This is a self-perpetuating and addictive cycle. Soon, followers expect a “hot take” position on every issue. Silence, in this warped psychology induced by social media, feels as if it is no longer an option on any topic. 

But it is. It is possible not to express an opinion on every headline, to pretend to know more than you do, or to get into fights with strangers because everyone else is doing it. It’s okay to defer judgment, to learn more before opining, and to say, “I don’t know.”  

Of course, we should absolutely stay informed. Ideas, events, and elections have very real consequences. Being knowledgeable is part of being a responsible citizen, voter, and Christ-follower. But we need not get sidetracked by every “scissor” event. Wisdom tells us not to pick up our phones every time a controversy comes calling.