Abstract
Our public square is in need of much refurbishment, if not reconstruction. Access for many seems barred by various ideological platforms and walls. Some are deemed too much of this, another too much of that: liberal, religious, anti-Trump, anti-Brexit, pro-life, anti-gay—whatever the label or brand—and some access points are opened, others closed. Gatekeepers are many, deeming who really counts, who really represents. The public square, of course, should be big, bustling, semi-chaotic “places”, rife with ideas, questions, passion, and curiosity, yet measured by standards of decorum, listening, and mutual respect. Most importantly, it should be characterized by a robust (or spunky) humility, aware of its strengths and its weaknesses. It is fair to say that in 2019, our public square could use a little uplift. While certainly not a miracle cure, nor the only possible salves, interfaith dialogue, religious pluralism, liberation theology, and secular humanism have much in their favor to nuance, challenge, and yes, purify our present polarized, and so sometimes catatonic public square. After a brief overview first explaining the title, along with what is meant in this paper by the secular and humility, it will then be argued how interfaith dialogue, religious pluralism, liberation theology, and secular humanism can liberate and purify our public square discourse—namely by practicing and promoting a robust humility.
Highlights
Our public square is in need of much refurbishment, if not reconstruction
After a brief overview first explaining the title, along with what is meant in this paper by the secular and humility, it will be argued how interfaith dialogue, religious pluralism, liberation theology, and secular humanism can liberate and purify our public square discourse—namely by practicing and promoting a robust humility
Our public square1 is in need of much refurbishment, if not reconstruction
Summary
Our public square (or sphere) is in need of much refurbishment, if not reconstruction. Extending the spatial and architectural metaphors of the physical public square with the intellectual and democratic public square under discussion, see, for example, (Osnos 2016) Such a physical space is restricted to those who strive to keep alive the memory of victims of the 4 June Massacre, but the Chinese communist government which actively restricts access in expressing, supporting, or asking questions about related issues of freedom, State oppression, and truth inquiries. I will highlight the need to practice and promote a robust humility which adds nuance, greater complexity, deeper transparency, and sincere acknowledgement of our mutual brokenness This combination can cultivate greater listening and ongoing learning—prerequisites for a healthy public square
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