The “controversy” about religious freedom between U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono and U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard is, from my perspective as a progressive advocate of interfaith harmony, a non-issue (“Gabbard accuses Hirono, Democratic colleagues of religious bigotry,” Star-Advertiser, Jan. 10).

They are both a little right and a little wrong, and it illustrates the difficulty of engaging in religious discussions.

However, if the purpose of sharing different viewpoints about faith is to have an edifying conversation rather than persuading someone of your particular opinion, then there isn’t a problem.

One of the primary reasons religious disagreements become angry outbursts, and why there are so many different denominations within Christianity, is the effort to convince someone that “I’m right and you’re wrong.”

The danger of absolute belief is discovered when it becomes judgmental, when it harms relationships and causes wars. This, obviously, isn’t the purpose of religious faith or a loving God.

The goal: embracing diversity rather than fighting over differences; discovering our common humanity and living with equity.

John Heidel

Kailua

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