“Bigotry does not consist in a man being convinced he is right; that is not bigotry, but sanity. Bigotry consists in a man being convinced that another man must be wrong in everything, because he is wrong in a particular belief.” – Chesterton
In our last issue, we touched on the importance of harmony, charitable conversation and the like. This current issue’s theme is titled “Postures of the Heart: Where Depolarization Happens.” Thoughtful people know that polarization is becoming an increasingly large problem – so what’s the answer? Well, it is complicated, but we have a few responses to offer. In this issue we have talked to a variety of different individuals:
- J. Nelson Kraybill, an Anabaptist pastor, professor, and thought-leader, on his recent book Stuck Together: The Hope of Christian Witness in a Polarized World;
- Father Aaron Wessman, a priest who wears a variety of hats, who recently wrote The Church’s Mission in a Polarized World;
- Lyndsay Thompson, a practicing psychotherapist and teacher, who shares her thoughts on the greater need for emotional intelligence, humility and curiosity; and
- Ted Lewis, a writer, lecturer, and restorative consultant (think restorative justice, restorative theology and restorative practices), who shares thoughts on how to engage in the promotion of peaceful coexistence amidst complexities.
In addition, we have a number of essays on topics connected to polarization, mothering amidst technology concerns, and book reviews. For some extra thought, we have two additional interviews: one touching on Shakespeare (a discussion between two literary scholars), and a lively conversation between two C.S. Lewis scholars on the recent movie Freud’s Last Session.
As usual, we have poetry and fiction too.
So, amidst all the disquieting kerfuffle and hubbub created by an increasing polarity of positions, may this issue of Radix shine a bit of light.
Peace. – M