Many consider its roots to be a problem of Mormons versus those of other persuasions. In reality, it is perhaps a modern manifestation of the poisonous legacy of tribalism which divides human society into members of my tribe - those bound to me by deep ties of history, culture, religion and shared experiences, and who are worthy of my loyalty, respect and even affection - and outsiders, who are considered to be so different as to be objects of my disrespect, derision and contempt.
I applaud the efforts many Utahns are devoting to bridge or at least narrow "The Great Divide." But I have grave doubts about the validity of the view that the problem is a simple bipolar one which pits members of the state's predominant religion against those who profess other religious beliefs or none at all. When one posits a simple bipolar world, the inevitable result is that all in the end must fit into one "tribe" or the other. In one group is considered by its proponents to be "good," the other, almost by definition, must be "bad." The real world is much more complex and nuanced that that.
Furthermore, I don't believe the problem is at its heart one of religion. As I view Utah society, I see a whole series of divisions, which in various ways separate us into potentially conflicting groups. These divisions include rich versus poor, liberals versus conservatives, "old settlers" versus new immigrants, urban versus rural, conservationists versus developers, and "east bench" versus "west side." Admittedly, while there are religious and/or cultural components in each of these examples, other causative factors - many of them economic - predominate.
The common thread which runs through all of the divisions listed above is that of an imbalance of power, or at least the perception thereof. Those in Utah who feel that they are "outsiders," who perceive themselves as "underdogs," believe that they have little or no power to influence major decisions taken by society's power-brokers. They believe that decisions are made and actions taken without consulting them, or even considering their views. As a result, they feel insulted, marginalized, disenfranchised and left out. Though they want to participate in meaningful ways, they feel shut out and unwanted. As Mother Teresa has noted, "Being unwanted is the worst disease that any human being can ever experience." At its heart, then, "The Great Divide" is much less about religion than about perceived inequities in the distribution of power.
Why is it important that we take the time to diagnose this problem properly, before attempting to solve it? The answer is simple: Improper diagnosis leads to improper treatment and eventually not only to a lack of cure, but even more dangerously, to aggravated levels of cynicism, distrust and polarization. Advocating a simple but wrong focus may actually create the "us versus them" situation that nobody wants.
It goes without saying - but is worthy or repetition - that successful attempts to bridge "The Great Divide" must focus on individual behavior. I suggest we all need to start by admitting that each of us, on occasion, is guilty (hopefully inadvertently) of less-than-sensitive behavior toward others. While striving, as John Adams advised, to "treat the world with modesty, decency and respect," we must at the same time refuse to take umbrage at some often fanciful slight or insult. We must learn to listen respectfully to others, and perhaps talk less ourselves, recognizing that there is much each can learn from the rich diversity of varying viewpoints. We must grow to recognize that in every caring community, all are needed.
To quote John Winthrop, "We must delight in each other, make others' conditions our own, rejoice together, mourn together, labor and suffer together - as members of the same body." We must avoid as the plague the mean-spirited name-calling and gratuitous insults which in the past have characterized too much of the rancorous public debates about various Utah issues. As in marriage, so too in society: There are limits to behavior which, if transgressed, lead to grievous wounds incapable of healing. Surely we can disagree without disparaging others, or impugning their motives. In other words, as Martin Luther King said, "We must learn to live together as brothers, or perish together as fools."
Gordon B. Hinckley, president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, summed up well what all of us must do when he said: "We must all be a little kinder, a little more generous, a little more thoughtful of one another. We can be a little more tolerant and friendly to those not of our faith, going out of our way to show our respect for them. We cannot afford to be arrogant or self-righteous. It is our obligation to reach out in helpfulness, not only to our own but to all others as well."
Hard to do? Of course, but well worth our best efforts. As Seneca reminds us, "No man knows what he can accomplish except by trying."
Alexander B. Morrison is executive director of the Alliance for Unity, a diverse group of civic, religious and business leaders in Utah which seeks to build a community where differences are respected and others' viewpoints are valued. He also is an emeritus general authority of the LDS Church. The views expressed here, however, are his alone, and do not represent the official position of either the alliance or the church.
