Recently, we were spending some time with friends and got into a discussion about faith. Through a series of exchanges, the conversation led to us wondering why our society allows so many subjects to be polarizing. It seems so easy for us to create an “us vs them” mentality when we do not see eye to eye. You don’t agree with me? Well, then you’re the enemy.
At least, that’s how it often pans out.
Now, I’m a peacekeeper by nature and am learning to be more of a peacemaker. Sometimes it’s necessary to stir things up in order to create true peace rather than false harmony. I get that. What I don’t understand is why do many of us back away from someone, diminish them, berrate them mercilessly, and turn a deaf ear? We dehumanize and generalize so it’s easier to back away. It’s far more difficult to look an individual person in the eye than it is to reference an institution: the Church, Republicans, Democrats, leadership, and so on.
Here is what I propose: What if we came to the table with our plates full and set them there to have an honest discussion? Why do we have to get so worked up that we metaphorically shove the other person’s plate off the table in order to avoid the discomfort of disagreeing? Why can’t we just ask, “What’s on your plate?” and actually hear the other perspective?
I know that my plate has bread on it. The Bread of Life, specifically. That’s what I’m bringing to the table on my plate.
What’s on yours?
