Pluralism and the Languages of Faith

Diversity or pluralism? Diversity is a fact of life in America, especially here in Southern California. But as I've been posting, using Eboo Patel's article as my sounding board, diversity isn't the same thing as pluralism. The former, Patel points out, is the fact of life. Pluralism involves engagement.
Our problem, Patel suggests, is that we've so privatized our religious lives in America that we seem unable to speak to each other productively about matters of religion. This is because we've not learned how to talk to each other about faith convictions. Indeed, most of us are skittish about doing so, afraid we'll offend or be ridiculed. Thus, building on an idea from Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, Patel proposes that we learn a "public language of faith," which he defines as "a language that emphasizes how one's commitment to a particular faith enriches the broader society. " That is, the ability to share how one's particular religious convictions makes one a better citizen. ("Affirming Identity, Achieving Pluralism," Review of Faith and International Affairs, Spring 2007, 25).
It is our task to learn this language and begin engaging each other with respect and deep interest. By taking this step we learn more about our neighbor and learn to affirm the humanity of the other. The next step is learning that such an exchange, rather than diluting one's faith can enrich it.

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