I’m glad to see that many people are eager to find a way over, under, around or through the walls we have built to separate us from those with whom we disagree. It is apparent on the national scene and perhaps also within and between many congregations, communities and ethnic groups.
The first condition that enables such walls to come down: both sides want that to happen. Very little progress can be made if the conditions don’t work in favor of a new community. Often people only want the wall to come down if the other side “sees that we’re right”. That only reinforces the existing wall.
The tragedy at the capitol on January 6 may have made possible the dismantling of the wall reinforcing the political divide. We don’t know that unless we try. There is no excuse for such violent “invasion” that killed, injured and threatened the legislators and others. However, violence of some sort is frequently the result of the continued escalation of polarizing words and actions. I’m inclined to say that it is inevitable, but I don’t quite want to believe it is “inevitable.”
In my “bones,” I felt a tragedy building. I had hoped it could have stopped before words and attitudes became violent. But not so. Does this make a “new” relationship possible? I don’t know, but I want us to try.
I absolutely believe that God remains active, creating a “new community.” So this is not our last chance. God won’t let it be the last chance. But let’s use this moment as best we can to develop a more respectful community of dialog. The goal is not to put an end to disagreement. That won’t happen. But we can develop a community where disagreement is not polarized into allies and enemies.