Dialogue
How museums can help rebuild trust in a divided America
How museums can help rebuild trust in a divided America Museums remain one of the few places where people across political and cultural lines can engage in dialogue, with 92% of adults viewing them as nonpartisan sources of education. Museums have a unique opportunity to model how people might think and listen together by fostering […]
🏛️ Politics
Americans generally like wolves − except when we’re reminded of our politics
Americans generally like wolves − except when we’re reminded of our politics Americans generally have positive views of wolves, but the perception of conflict around wolf conservation is often exaggerated by media coverage and politicians. The polarization of attitudes towards wolves can be attributed to social identity theory, which suggests that people tend to favor […]
🏛️ Politics
Shaping the conversation means offering context to extreme ideas, not just a platform
Shaping the conversation means offering context to extreme ideas, not just a platform When public figures engage with individuals who hold extreme views, it’s not just about whether to interact or censor; it’s also about how to structure that engagement and its purpose. The format and tone of an interview can greatly impact its ethical […]
🏛️ Politics
Pope Leo XIV’s visits to Turkey and Lebanon were about religious diplomacy
Pope Leo XIV’s visits to Turkey and Lebanon were about religious diplomacy Pope Leo XIV’s visit to Turkey and Lebanon (Nov. 27 – Dec. 2, 2025) was a gesture of interreligious dialogue and support for local minority Christian communities, marking the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea. The trip highlighted the challenges faced by […]
🏛️ Politics
Most colleges score low on helping students of all faiths – or none – develop a sense of belonging. Faculty can help change that
Most colleges score low on helping students of all faiths – or none – develop a sense of belonging. Faculty can help change that Most colleges struggle to create a sense of belonging for students from diverse faith backgrounds, but faculty can play a crucial role in fostering respectful relationships and conversations. A sense of […]
📚 Education
Forget the warm fuzzies of finding common ground – to beat polarization, try changing your expectations
Forget the warm fuzzies of finding common ground – to beat polarization, try changing your expectations Changing expectations and seeking common ground may not be enough to beat polarization, as Coloradans’ bipartisan rejection of home rule suggests that both sides recoiled at the expensive and rushed nature of the election. Polarization can be a feature, […]
🏛️ Politics
The paradox of pluralism: How college shapes students’ views of other religions
The paradox of pluralism: How college shapes students’ views of other religions Students at elite universities tend to express strong support for religious pluralism on surveys, but their attitudes don’t deepen during college. Contrary to expectations, students at less selective colleges develop stronger attitudes about religious pluralism and participate in more interfaith activities by the […]
📰 News
Germany’s young Jewish and Muslim writers are speaking for themselves – exploring immigrant identity beyond stereotypes
Germany’s young Jewish and Muslim writers are speaking for themselves – exploring immigrant identity beyond stereotypes Germany’s young Jewish and Muslim writers are speaking out against stereotypes and exploring their immigrant identities through literature. The consequences of recent conflicts, including Hamas’ attack on Gaza and Israel’s war in Gaza, have led to a growing debate […]
🏛️ Politics
Conflicted, disillusioned, disengaged: The unsettled center of Jewish student opinion after Oct. 7
Conflicted, disillusioned, disengaged: The unsettled center of Jewish student opinion after Oct. 7 A recent study on Jewish undergraduate attitudes found that many students are conflicted, disillusioned, disengaged, and uncertain about their views on the Israel-Hamas war and its impact on American campuses. The study identified six categories of Jewish student opinions: “Affirmed” (strongly supportive […]
🏛️ Politics
What Peru’s Virgen de la Puerta represents about unity and inclusion
What Peru’s Virgen de la Puerta represents about unity and inclusion La Virgen de la Puerta, an image of Mary venerated in Peru for over 300 years, represents unity and inclusion among people from different backgrounds, including Catholics, non-Catholics, LGBTQ+ individuals, and marginalized communities. The shrine church of La Virgen de la Puerta is located […]
🏛️ Politics