What would you say are your basic values? How did you come to believe what you believe? Where do you think our society is headed?
How you answer these questions likely labels you conservative or liberal, as are your friends. But does that solve any of our social or political problems? Is there a way to discuss deeply held beliefs in a respectful and open manner with those who may not agree?
Jacob Hess, a conservative Christian, believes there is. Hess and his friend Phil Neisser, a political theory teacher and leftist atheist, recently presented their idea for conversations across political and ideological lines at the World Parliament of Religions conference in Salt Lake City. Now, Hess is bringing this conversation strategy to Utah.
Intrigued? For ideas on how to start a conversation group, look for resources at VillageSquareUtah.org or LivingroomConversations.org.