From Awkward Silence to Hard Hope

Philosopher and interfaith scholar at the University of Denver, Sarah Pessin, has written quite a bit about common ground, shared humanity, and what she calls "hard hope." And, she keeps returning to a poignant yet awkward moment she had on a bus as she thinks about the possibilities of connection in a polarized world. The bus driver that day gave an unexpected sermon to his captive audience of passengers. moment from her graduate days at , when her bus driver unexpectedly preached to a silent, captive audience. She reflects on how that experience shaped her thinking about sharing one's faith, public space, attention, and respectful disagreement. Our conversation covers the ethics of listening in a divided culture. Together, when wrestle with when attention builds understanding and when it crosses a boundary. The episode reveals how discomfort, humility, and empathy can open the door to deeper civic and interfaith connection.

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