If possible, peace (Romans 12)

We are so afraid to disagree. Instead of speaking our mind, we lie or avoid the topic altogether. Why? When did we lose the art of conversation? Think of the rich dialogue we could have about morality, religion or politics if we didn't take disagreement as a personal attack. What is missing? Respect? Perspective? Are we so insecure in our own convictions that we don't want them challenged? Could we be scared of losing? Being wrong?

Now more than ever, people feel the need to identify with a group or cause. They need a sense of belonging. The problem I see is that many of these alignments are not only defined by a set of ideas, but also by those ideas or groups they despise. Instead of uniting us, our associations divide us. Us versus them. If we are the real Americans, by implication they are, well, something else. Doesn't the freedom we prize in America allow us to have different ideas?

Our nation becomes increasingly divided. Republican against Democrat. Young against old. Rich against poor. Union against management. Christian against Muslim against atheist. Straight against gay. Not that we shouldn't hold to our beliefs. Neutral is not the answer, but is screaming louder or holding bigger signs the solution? If I have a better way, wouldn't you be more impressed with my love, my patience and my joy than my hate or fear?

I believe the path is narrow. Too liberal for Republicans and too conservative for Democrats. Too communal for capitalists yet too voluntary for socialists. Too radical for traditional religion but too orthodox for unstructured spiritual movements.  Rooted more deeply rooted in our humility than our pride; more in our common humanity than our difference of opinion. Is it about social justice or personal responsibility? Why not both?

What ever it is, can't we just talk about it?