"Who are the polarizers?" asked Anthea Butler, an Assistant Professor of Religion at the University of Rochester who specializes in African American religious history, American religious history, and women and gender studies.

Basically, the polarizers are the people who monopolize the airwaves and mislead you into thinking that religious people are crazy: the Ted Haggards, the Jerry Falwells, etc., etc. Thus Butler boldly introduced a politicized conversation and invited us to consider the opposite - that "religious people aren't crazy" (or ignorant). We must allow ourselves to understand that the individuals popularizing the notion of deep religious divisions are much more peripheral than the more taciturn men and women who represent the religious core.

The non-crazies who represent the middle ground are serving humanity under the guise of religion because it is what they know best. Religious institutions provide ample opportunities for potential partners in civic engagement. Not only have religious institutions capitalized on technology, but they have also
created extensive local and global networks, advanced education and grown human capital. These religious institutions and individuals are ripe for outside investment, collaboration and inspiration.

So instead of focusing on the divides and the periphery, Butler asked us to consider the center - the fertile delta of religion - to transcend denominational boundaries and focus on the virtues instead of the values, the consensus instead of contentions, and inclusiveveness/globalization instead of isolation/nationalism. Dr. Butler cited the following examples of religious institutions that are providing effective community outreach:

The Dream Center in LA

Save Africa's
Children

West Angeles Community
Development Corporation

National Association of
Evangelicals

Saddleback Church

Posted by Anna Wool