Faithful Connections: Building Bridges Amidst Division
Responding to the election by focusing on building bridges rather than promoting hate.
As I’m sure many can relate to, for me, last Tuesday’s election was not only exhausting but also deeply concerning as the already canyon-like divide in our country seemed to deepen.
It did not help that social media immediately became even more of a vicious battleground than it already was as people of all religious and political beliefs accused the perceived “other side” of hate, idiocy, and selfishness. Amidst this rising tension and disappointment that threatens to take a polarized nation and make it even more divided, we also have the opportunity to become more united and grow in our ability to build bridges across what seem to be insurmountable divides.
Religious, and especially interfaith, communities are places of immense good, love, devotion, and kindness, so we must do our best to protect these values rather than falling into the easy tendency of hate. Regardless of an individual’s political ideas (and how much these may frustrate us), our religious traditions urge us to see the shared humanity of each person rather than solely seeing them for what we perceive as their flaws. In a time where the urge to form insular communities feels like the right thing to do, it is vital to still reach across barriers (when safe and possible) as this is the only way significant change can happen. We cannot fight fire with fire, dehumanization with dehumanization, or hate with hate. Love and respect, as difficult as it might be, must continue to be our guiding principles as we step into this divided world. It is my firm belief that collaborating across faiths will be vital in this process of creating a more inclusive and united Atlanta, United States, and world as we push for understanding, community, and friendship across rifts that have existed for centuries and are elevated today.
For those who feel lost, betrayed, and scared for what is to come, for whatever reason that may be, I completely understand. It is important to take time to rest, be with your community, and step away from difficult conversations and topics when you have to. However, another shared value that I see across faiths is hope. So, when ready, we must continue to maintain hope within our lives, faiths, and communities. Hope for healing. Hope for understanding. Hope for safety. Hope for a just society. Hope that government officials make decisions that better the lives of all Americans, especially those who face institutionalized oppression and marginalization. Hope for a society where we can all peacefully coexist and live happy and healthy lives. Hope for unity.
We must embrace the shared principles across religious traditions (love, hope, and care for humanity) as we navigate our lives even when it feels exhausting and the divide unconquerable. As seen in this past election process, religion still plays a vital role in how people vote. Similarly, religious freedom is not seen in the same light by everyone. Therefore, dialogue, advocacy, and education, informed by the values explained above, must inform our steps forward, no matter what religion, political belief, or community we may come from. These actions are not one-time efforts, but principles and actions that we must carry with us in the years to come. Similarly, building bridges does not happen overnight. It is a continual process that requires attention even after the construction is finished. Therefore, while I highly encourage engaging in formal interfaith conversations (ie. Interfaith Atlanta’s Sacred Dialogues Fellowship) it is more important than ever to have these conversations in our daily lives and to enter conversations with those with whom we disagree with empathy, intentional listening, and hope rather than stereotypes, assumptions, and anger. This is an incredibly difficult task and it will not take a short amount of time, but I truly believe we have an opportunity and responsibility to improve our communities and entrench them in love, respect, and comfort in diversity.
Love Your Neighbor.
See the Stranger. Celebrate Diversity.
Be the Change, Grounded in Faith.
