How can we live and thrive in a pluralistic society?
In order to understand how we are to live in a pluralistic society, we need to understand what pluralism is and how it influences our culture.
Pluralism is characterized by a diversity of views rather than a single approach or method of interpretation. For instance, in regards to religion, pluralism could refer to the idea that all roads lead to God. John Inazu from Washington School of Law explains,
“We are pluralistic in our beliefs and in society there’s just a lot of difference out there. The question, once we recognize and accept that difference is what do we do with it.”
John believes there is a way to live in harmony with those around us without turning our backs on God.
“I’m suggesting that there is a way in which we can live generously and charitably with those around us in a way that does not compromise our own beliefs.”
Everyone would readily admit that there is good and evil, but many people have differing opinions on what is right and what is wrong.
“It’s important to be in the public square and be in society and make those claims, but there’s a way to do so, maybe not so much in what we say, but how we say it in our tone, our motive, our interaction, our willingness to listen to others even when we disagree, that’s what it takes to live in a pluralistic society.”
Why should we be confident?
“As Christians, we of all people have reason for confidence and if we take seriously what we’re devoting our lives to, then we should have every reason to engage with others and take risks because we know the end of the story.”
