In a recent poll Americans declared political polarization our number social problem.

In my sermon last week — see the video or read the text of “Secret Weapon?” —  I started with a reference to that poll, and then I explored research about the development of human moral reasoning and its theological and social implications.

I thought some of you might want to delve further into some of the research and stories I mentioned, and maybe continue the discussion.

Sources:

Pew Research Center Polls on Political Polarization

Social psychologist Jonathon Haidt at TED: “The Moral Roots of Liberals and Conservatives” 

Social psychologist Jonathon Haidt at TED: “Can a Divided America Heal?”

Oprah’s “60 Minutes” piece about the Roundtable of 14 Who Became Friends Across the Divide

Psychologist Rob Willer’s TED talk on how to apply conservative frames to liberal issues

If these ideas set off some reflection for you, please feel free to follow up with me at any time. Email me at dce@follen.org.

In Faith,

Susanne

Rev. Susanne Intriligator

Director of Community Engagement