Skeptics sometimes attempt to use Jesus' warning that "A kingdom divided against itself is laid waste" as a direct criticism of modern political partisanship.

If their point is to speak against partisanism, it ignores the contextual reality that Jesus himself established an "ingroup" (His followers) strictly set apart from the opposing "outgroups" (like the Pharisees). By Jesus' own reckoning, His opponents were not part of the spiritual Kingdom He was establishing. The verse addresses spiritual authority and logical consistency (a house casting out its own), not democratic political parties.