Andy Flannagan: ‘I’m sadly watching the radicalisation of my peers’

The leader of Christians in Politics speaks out on division, polarisation and why following God’s call doesn’t mean meeting every need 

It’s commonly said that “May you live in interesting times” is an ancient Chinese curse (“interesting” being a euphemism for turbulence and tragedy). But it turns out the saying is apocryphal – no Chinese source has ever been produced. Perhaps it’s fitting that the origin of this ‘curse’ about the depressing state of the world is shrouded in misinformation. After all, so much of the political upheaval we’re witnessing right now is being spurred on by fake news. 

See, for example, Tommy Robinson’s claim that 3 million people gathered for his ‘Unite the Kingdom’ march in London (police said it was 150,000). Or Alastair Campbell’s claim that Charlie Kirk believed “gay people should be stoned to death”. Campbell later apologised and retracted the error (we’re still waiting for Robinson). 

Interesting times indeed. If ever wisdom and leadership were needed in politics, it is now. Thankfully the leader of Christians in Politics, Andy Flannagan has plenty to offer in both departments.

The Northern Irish musician knows a thing or two about political polarisation. The anger and violence he witnessed as a child during The Troubles is now being mirrored in the online debates of today, he says. And the problem boils down to identity.

“When we don’t have our primary identity so firmly in Christ, we grab all the more strongly for these secondary identities in support of our tribe.” 

The temptation to make an idol of our politics can happen to any of us – regardless of political affiliation. Flannagan wants to help Christians avoid th