Worried? Afraid of what is happening to our country? Or perhaps you are joyful because there seems to be a change in the direction of our people and nation. What are the things that divide or unite us as a people? It’s no secret our people are divided over direction, policies, and various issues. Certainly, we recognize the urban centers, particularly on the East and West coasts, are at odds with “flyover country”. What are the deeper causes? What is the solution?
As I reflected on the history of peoples, I recognized that language can divide us. Most, I suspect, remember the story of the Tower of Babel, where language was used to divide the people. Our people now speak multiple dialects and languages from all over the world. Though some hold closely to their language and culture, their numbers do not account for the rancor and divisiveness present in the country. What is deeper than language and culture? Two things: religion and ideology. These two are deeply related. Those without a professed religious affiliation adopt a “religious” mindset without realizing it. I have observed ideologies take the place of religion. They are pursued with the same zeal. Economic ideologies divide. Militant religions that have different foundational beliefs and presuppositions divide.
People then acquire, almost without realizing it, entirely different views of how the world should be and how it should operate for the betterment of people. These presuppositions determine the big questions: Who am I? What does it mean to be human? Why am I here? Where am I going? I suggest this means the great divisions are due to wholly different worldviews. People with different worldviews invariably “talk past one another.” Alternatively, they have no interest in understanding any worldview other than their own.
What can unite us? Returning to the original division of people caused by a difference in languages, language may be a key to the understanding that must come before agreement is possible. Not English or Spanish or Persian, but a common vocabulary where the same word conveys the same idea when those with different worldviews discuss the needs of our people. Too often, the same words convey different ideas.
What matters most for unity is how we view each other. Another person is not just someone who needs to be convinced that your ideas and judgments are right. Another person is a human being like you, with needs and desires. He, like you, wants the answers to the big questions in life.
With all of this in mind, the only true unifying factor is the realization that each of us is created in the image of God. That realization is the foundation for our common humanity. Our divisions stem from denying that or abandoning the precepts and virtues He has given us to live by. He has given us a Way to live and to be reconciled to Him. He has provided a Way for all people to be reconciled to each other.
The true reason for division has been true since creation. Man wishes to be his own God and have the same powers of God. Thus, reunification requires forsaking such a pursuit and all the false worldviews that stem from it, and being reconciled to the God who created us.
By Lynn S. Nored. Nov. 8, 2026
www.thoughtful-lines.com
One Response
God first! Of course, even this will have a broad range of disparate or even openly contradictory meanings. Pam and I attended an annual Friends of the Creche meeting in San Antonio this weekend. Even there, many words had different meanings and brought different thoughts and feelings from various members. However, as with the 10 commandments, God comes first as in the first four commandments.