In this election season, many are surrounded by like minded individuals, steeped in likeminded commentary, fed news by likeminded outlets. Ive heard the rhetoric on both sides grow progressively more polarized since the last election, even describing the other as evil. Dehumanizing others is dangerous, no matter how despicable we find their views and actions. Ive returned to reading lessons from Etty Hillesum to remind myself of LOVE even in the most hateful circumstances.
In my spiritual tradition, Jesus prayed for those that tortured and murdered him. This is not a lesson to be taken lightly. This is a reminder of just how deeply we are called to LOVE in Christianity.
I am now asking questions, including the source of my information. Where am I learning about what the other side is saying? What would it look like to actually discuss opposing views, human to human, with someone with whom I disagree? Finally, as community is replaced by online forums and large hives of people with similar views, where's the every day communal interaction that pulls us to the center?
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