Every since I read the piece excepted below by Travis Scholl I have been thinking about it. Scholl says Robert Putman has written in his recent book that America is living in a trinity of religious characteristics perhaps as unimaginable as the true Trinity. He says America is religiously devout, diverse, and tolerant, all at the same time. We are each devoted to our religion. There are many religions represented. And we are not overly concerned when others choose differently than us. How can these be true all at once? Generally the intersection of devotion and diversity has been war and yet we have tolerance. Generally the combination religious diversity and tolerance has been toxic to religious devotion but yet Americans still claim their religion with passion. Finally, the blend of devotion and tolerance while rare has often bred syncretism, and yet we have so many religions still around.

Robert Putman says that we in America have devotion, diversity, and tolerance at the same time. But perhaps the real answer to how we can have all three at once in the really found by examining what one mean by the terms used.

Are we religiously devout? Well, I have no doubt that a lot of people are emotionally tied to their religion. They passionately talk about their God. They cringe at the idea of anyone interfering with how they carry out their faith. But I would argue that they are not devout in the way devotion has traditionally been judged. Devotion used to be measured by adherence to particular doctrines, practices, and perhaps submission to ecclesiastical authority. If we judge Americans by these stands, a stunning lack of devotion to most religions exists.

Are we truly diverse? There is no doubt that we have as many religions and divisions of those religions as any society ever. In larger towns a short walk can reveal houses of worship for every major religion and nearly every stripe of Christianity. But are the different places really all that diverse? I would argue both in style and substance, most houses of worship look much the same (the only exception might be things like Mosques new to the community). Most have some blend of old traditions and new songs. Most have messages filled with morality. Most look much like the surrounding culture. Oh sure there is some diversity, but truly we are fairly monotone especially in terms of what happens when the congregation gathers in America.

So are we tolerant? Well I would argue based on the things explained above that there really is not much to be tolerant of. The reason we all get along so well is that we truly are so much alike and we refuse to devote ourselves to anything particular that would create true diversity.

Those truly devoted to particular truths and traditions are by no means welcomed. Those truly different from their neighbors are ignored or mocked. The myth of the tolerance fades quickly away when it meets true devotion or diversity. It seems to me the only way to have all three at once is by changing the definition of the terms. And our postmodern America is especially skilled at such work.

Perhaps Putman’s best points (which Scholl mentions) that deserve more reflection are the following:

1. Religion and politics are more tightly connected than ever before.

2. People are far more devoted and diverse in their politics than their theology and religious ways.

2. The real reason for tolerance in society is not intellectual enlightenment but relational interactions with people who hold to other views. We do not want to leave mother, brother, friend to follow anyone.

If you are not reading Travis’s blog, you really should be. He always writes well and leaves you with food for thought. Travis serves as the editor for Concordia Seminary’s theological journal as well.