By Jim Nichols

Consider with me the following list of categories:

Unthinkable
Radical
Acceptable
Sensible
Popular
Policy
Popular
Sensible
Acceptable
Radical
Unthinkable

In the 1990s Joseph Overton developed the concept of the “Window of Political Possibilities.” This has been an influential concept in public policy, and it has enough logic that we can spin it into church policy and, in fact, personal behavior policy as followers of God.

As you read the list above, note that the eleven items center around the word “policy.” Above and below “policy” are words/concepts that convey varying degrees of acceptance. 

As originally conceived, this list considered how the public acceptance rate would evaluate political ideas. One could display the rate on a spectrum. One could envision a snapshot at a particular time and see where a political idea might fit. There would be a “window” with “policy” in the center and the other possibilities on each side up or down. This window is not static; it may shift higher or lower with time according to public acceptance of any specific concept. For example, what at one time was an idea that was radical (conservative or liberal) can move to a position of policy step by step. For any specific idea, politicians detect where the Overton window sits and react with legislation or public relations positions. One might think that politicians are generating their own ideas, but this moveable window concept suggests that they are actually judging what is acceptable to the public already. 

Some examples clarify the concept.

Step into the past and consider women’s suffrage. In 2025 this is American policy, but it has not always been. At one time it was unthinkable. Can you sense that it moved from that position to the center through the decades? If we were to interview our grandparents or great-grandparents on this issue, we would probably be stunned at the explanation of the public animosity as well as support. Gradually the idea of women voting became not only palatable, but popular enough to become government policy.

While we are considering modern American history, we might also follow the trail of the acceptance of alcohol consumption. The decades before and after Prohibition provide a set of vivid scenes and arguments that eventually brought us to our current policy positions. Those positions offer a great deal of alcohol freedom but also include restrictions such as age limits and determine specific closing hours for bars. 

If we reviewed American history regarding the availability of firearms, we would see multiple starts and stops affecting restrictions. One can even move from one state to another and encounter different public opinions and therefore different policies.

The purchase of marijuana either for medical purposes or recreational use faces similar scrutiny.

Not many decades ago, tobacco smoke filled virtually every public space, indoors and outdoors. Public acceptance (based on good science) led to a “normalization” of restrictions on smoking. 

Critics have pointed out legitimate problems with the Overton window model, but it makes good sense to me. Ideas on the edge of the window now may be tomorrow’s policy.

If we shift from public policy to church policy and even personal behavior policy, the logic continues.

How does the local church you attend compare to that same church 25 years ago? Can you sense modifications in attitudes and actions? How did that occur? It is possible that a strong new congregation leader directed those changes. It is more probable to me that there have been widespread congregational shifts in stances and behaviors and that has led to a swaying of the congregation as those changes have been validated by many. That may be positive or negative to you.

Personally, in what ways have you changed over the years and what is the explanation? I have changed certain attitudes and behaviors gradually and I suspect you have too. I can “normalize” some things now that I could not at another age.

The complicating factor for church and personal positions is, of course, our desire to be a congregation and, more specifically, a person pleasing to God. Our primary call is to “. . . act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly.” We depend on God’s grace to forgive us as we fumble through the complications of life.

Jim Nichols is a retired Abilene Christian University biology professor and current hospital chaplain