Synthesis: How ought we to live?

Review: Pluralism (ch. 2) Civic, not theological Civic, not theological Concerned with civic and social relations, not salvation or ultimate truth Concerned with civic and social relations, not salvation or ultimate truth Contrasted with exclusivism, assimilation Contrasted with exclusivism, assimilation Dynamic process of engagement (69, 70) Dynamic process of engagement (69, 70) Distinct from diversity; requires action Distinct from diversity; requires action Goal: understanding, not merely tolerating, the other Goal: understanding, not merely tolerating, the other Requires valuing and acknowledging one’s own faith commitments, not watering them down (71) Requires valuing and acknowledging one’s own faith commitments, not watering them down (71) Ongoing, especially with constant new developments Ongoing, especially with constant new developments

Strategies “Build bridges” “Build bridges” Solidarity in times of trial (346) Solidarity in times of trial (346) Actively address low-grade prejudice, “small incidents of hatred” Actively address low-grade prejudice, “small incidents of hatred” Public acknowledgement of minority groups Public acknowledgement of minority groups Publicize attacks on religious groups Publicize attacks on religious groups Gov’t recognition Gov’t recognition Public activities: parades, festivals Public activities: parades, festivals Create “tables” for dialogue (369) Create “tables” for dialogue (369) Recognize interdependence (380) Recognize interdependence (380)

American context American principles must guide a new religious America (383) American principles must guide a new religious America (383) First Amendment: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof” First Amendment: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof” Constitution does not enshrine majority rule Constitution does not enshrine majority rule Habits of the Heart Habits of the Heart Individual freedom and depth of religious experience Individual freedom and depth of religious experience Early American history Early American history proliferation of different kinds of religion (pluralism) increased need for civic tolerance of religious diversity proliferation of different kinds of religion (pluralism) increased need for civic tolerance of religious diversity

Remaining challenge Americans must imagine their society in new ways (384) Americans must imagine their society in new ways (384) Cultivate your ability to notice diversity, hear stories, engage in conversation Cultivate your ability to notice diversity, hear stories, engage in conversation Draw on community projects, but also keep your eyes open Draw on community projects, but also keep your eyes open