George Packer wrote, “Ideology knows the answer before the question has been asked.”
In a divided nation and world, and in an election year, we can feel the truth of Packer’s words in our bodies. So how do we learn, as followers of Jesus, who learned by the Spirit, in a world that has forsaken learning in favor of ideological capture?
I believe it starts with listening. Empathetic listening. Connecting with each other without bringing in another audience to watch the conversation. Taking in different perspectives without being threatened and being able to disagree and remain connected. These are vital skills in today’s polarized and polarizing world.
This Sunday, we will have an opportunity to hear from our friend Jakki Cotton, hear a glimpse of her perspective, and dig into some empathetic skills as we seek to become people who can truly hear one another and stay connected to each other, no matter what perspective we bring to the table.