Church, Synagogue, and Public Square: Lessons from American Christian-Jewish Relations

America is uniquely positioned to create constructive synergy between religion and public life. In its ideal, faith communities (and those of no faith) are free to practice their beliefs alongside one another even as they contribute to the social welfare of all. However, as America grows more diverse, polarized, and beset by identity politics, faith often becomes weaponized to serve political ends and divide us. America needs an ethic of coalition-building alongside disagreement and respect for difference across lines of race, faith, and political affiliation. One of America’s oldest intergroup relationships, between Christians and Jews, has thrived for decades amidst debate over such heated issues as religious liberty, family values, the definition of life, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This session brings the experience of veterans in Christian-Jewish relations to bear on navigating the contentious relationship between religion and public life in America.