Book Talk with Peter Smith

This year's electoral rhetoric exposed the deep fissures in our body politic, leaving many feeling disillusioned and even fractured. In this moment of potential discord, people of faith have a profound opportunity to model a different path forward — one anchored in the timeless principles of civility, justice and a fierce commitment to our nation's highest ideals.

In all their glorious diversity, many religious traditions share a common bedrock: the inherent worth and dignity of every human being, created in the image of the Divine. This sacred truth must be the north star guiding interactions, especially with those we disagree with. Civility isn't about avoiding the tough conversations or pretending our differences don't exist. It's about engaging in those conversations with respect, empathy, and an open heart and mind. It's about recognizing that our political opponents aren't our enemies but fellow travelers on this Earth, deserving of our compassion and understanding.