The Complete Picture

Can it really be said that identity is what we see in the mirror? How else, then, do others see other individuals? The problem with living in such a diverse society is that there is no guarantee of tolerance and acceptance; indeed, it is quite the opposite, in that the world has contradicting faiths that hold different belief systems. Appiah describes "belief" as the means to the end that is "desire" (Appiah 19). Despite these contradicting beliefs, Appiah argues that one aspect that humans can find common ground in is shared values that people of different faiths can agree on (Appiah 29).

The thing I find interesting about this argument is that those who promote civil religion in the United States can use this very same argument. For example, those who advocate the term "Under God" in the pledge of allegiance will point to the fact that they are not singling out Christianity; after all, Muslims, Jews, and other religions have a god or a deity. Also, advocates of American civil religion will argue that Christians, Muslims, Jews, and members of other religion all agree in the sanctity of marriage, the bonding importance of the family, and instilled patriotism. However, this does not really address, nor does it help strive for a truly accepting society of all religions and belief systems.

Jeff-Spinner-Halev calls true toleration "liberal" in the sense that it should not just be a recognition of religious diversity; true toleration is an acceptance and (to a degree) appreciation from individuals of others' beliefs (Spinner-Halev 32). A mere recognition of diversity from the state, while it is a very positive step, does not change the hearts and minds of those who are not willing to accept the beliefs of others.

As Appiah described faith as a "shattered mirror", one that shows individual truths all coming together to complete the mirror. The human race is a mystery, and all of those who belong to a religious faith want to see a better world. The problem is, they do not all agree on how to get there. Dialogue within faiths is the only way we can truly understand each other. Only then will we get the complete picture. Unfortunately, this is a goal that seems to far from a narrow-minded society.




Works Cited
Appiah, Kwame Anthony. Cosmopolitanism: Ethics in a World of Strangers. Norton, W. W. & Company, Inc. New York, New York. 2006.

Halev-Spinner, Jeff . Hinduism, Christianity, and Liberal Religious Toleration. "Political Theory", Vol. 33, No. 1 , pp. 28-57. Sage Publications, Inc. February 2005