We’ve been thinking together about pluralism this month. We’ve had sermons and blog posts and even some linguistically and culturally diverse elements of worship together. Fabulous!
A wonderful question was posed in response to a recent Soulful Sundown service: what’s the difference between diversity and pluralism? This question has invigorated my morning quiet time lately.
I think that, for me, the answer is engagement. Pluralism is not just the recognition that this world and this human family—and maybe the universe itself—are filled with difference. Pluralism is the set of actions by which people show great respect for those differences as we engage one another. It is a place of dynamism and creativity. For me, it is this kind of engaged pluralism that leads to openness and growth.
We need to be careful. Engagement can sometimes lead to misunderstanding and hurt. The exuberance I bring to some engagement can be overwhelming, especially when there is a power differential among the parties involved. Men need to learn to listen to other genders. White folk need to behave as if we are not the center of the universe. Elders in political struggles need to allow younger people to come up with some new answers to age-old challenges. Those of us with many years of formal education need to value the lessons that life has taught other people.
When there is hurt, we need to find ways to make amends in terms that center those who have been hurt. (Isn’t that why we read On Repentance and Repair together in the UUA Common Read?)
Still, our faith calls for boldness. It is the experience of engagement that has given my ministry meaning, and moves me to wanting deeper engagement in my life. In our living tradition, such engaged pluralism is a reflection of our core value of Love. Ferenc Dávid, founder of the Hungarian Unitarian movement centuries ago, said, “Love is the creative spirit of the world, the highest treasure of humankind.” The highest treasure of a humanity that is profoundly diverse. The highest treasure awaiting our engaged pluralism.
Yours in a faith that frees,
Associate Minister for Congregational Life Rev. David Carl Olson