Abrahamic Traditions
Either All of Us Are Human, or None of Us Are
Human beings have survived and thrived by forming in-groups. This instinct is so central to our lives that we’re often willing to risk everything to protect our group. But here’s the problem: other in-groups can be seen not just as different, but as threats—or even as less than human. And once we’ve stripped another group…
Read MoreCertain Inalienable Rights
I have the cane that Rabbi Levine carved for Father Treacy. It sits beside me now. On it, he carved these words: The road to God is paved with love Unity in diversity These two men dedicated their lives to bringing people together. By unity, they didn’t mean sameness. They meant that we can bring…
Read MoreBurning Passion
In 2015 I felt a burning passion in my heart, my bones, my soul. I saw increasing divisions in our society. I saw the dehumanization of Muslims, Jews, Indigenous and so many more. I knew that we were on a path that leads to fear and violence. We are still on that path now. Many…
Read MoreWill Christians Step Up?
Surveys conducted by IPSOS and Gallup corroborate a sentiment that is palpable: there is significant concern about the division among Americans. So, what is the solution? What steps can we take to remedy this situation? At Paths to Understanding, we are committed to uniting individuals from diverse cultures, traditions, and identities. Our aim is for…
Read MoreRenewed Determination
A fellow pastor walked up to me after the Funeral for one of our founders, Father William Treacy. She came to the the funeral to honor him. She was the first female pastor in the area. Father Treacy was the only pastor or priest in the area to reach out and welcome her. This is…
Read MoreRising to Meet Antisemitism
Last spring I was honored to interview Devin Burghart from IREHR, the Institute for Research and Education on Human Rights. We spoke about white nationalism and white Christian nationalism, how it threatens our democracy, and what we can do about it. This conversation has been much on my mind as we have seen Antisemitic statements,…
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