While religions may disagree on questions of belief, we still hold many common values: compassion, justice and love come to mind. Some of the polarization in this country arises because we don’t have enough of these conversations. In natural systems, diversity gives resilience and strength. A prairie with hundreds of different kinds of plants in a square acre can resist a pest or a disease that would destroy a monoculture of hybrid corn. In human society, too, diverse viewpoints and approaches to the sacred can broaden our perspectives and give us more tools for grappling with the uncertain and challenging future we all face.

The challenge in such a conversation is to hold respect for those you might disagree with, and to be willing to keep open your own ears, heart and mind. When we are willing to hear and learn from those who are different, we can let go of the false assumptions and fears which can motivate cruel and destructive actions, and step into a clearer, brighter world. Our decisions and actions then reflect a deeper intelligence—even wisdom—another value common to us all.

(On my personal page, I am posting a full set of definitions related to our tradition, which may be unfamiliar to some readers.)