Polarization and a Path Forward

Most agree that America is more polarized now than at any time since the civil war.  According to a report by the Pew Research Center, there are deep and growing disagreements between political parties and ordinary citizens on the economy, racial justice, climate, etc.   Increasingly, each side sees the other’s policies as a threat to our nation’s well-being.  How did it get this way?   In the heat of debate, people often rush to blame the “other side.”  With some deeper analysis, we can identify a more helpful, constructive answer.

In this session we will examine multiple sources of polarization and describe how polarization has affected the country and our faith community.  We will work to identify particularly significant aspects of these issues that face individuals and the church. The session will also provide an overview of how we can overcome polarization and see each other as members of a common community who share a common future.  While the topics are framed around political polarization, the session emphasizes building a culture of civility and respect, or as we emphasize here – living and loving like Jesus.