Howard Hass writes...

I belong to two book clubs and a peace group. All three groups are made up of thoughtful persons. I appreciate the diversity of the groups. We have Buddhist, Christian, Unitarian, Jewish, and atheists represented. Most of the participants live in an open system which means the mind is gentle, nonjudgmental, open to all possibilities. One can see many sides of a problem. In my Tai Chi class we call that detachment.

Locked in positions limit possibilities. There is nothing wrong with ambiguity. Neat fixed solutions often fade into gray when we become empathetic, practice the golden rule, and recognize the incredible uniqueness in our beliefs.

Jesus' message of compassion, gratitude, forgiveness, empathy, and love are the common elements that link all people together. So differences are welcome because we learn to honor them, yet recognize those deep seated linkages become the basis of our hope, as followers of Christ's teachings.