144: Eboo Patel: Field Notes for Diverse Democracy

“Diversity is a treasure,” says President and Founder of Interfaith America Eboo Patel. But what does “diversity” really mean? The term is found these days in public discourse and political debate, in boardrooms and on athletic fields. But Eboo argues that the way it plays out in the United States often misses the point entirely: instead of honoring identity and leaving room for disagreement, we settle for a flattening of culture, calling it “diversity.” “Coherent doesn’t mean univocal,” says Eboo. “In a democracy, you actually get to articulate your identity.” In this episode, Eboo describes why we should treasure our differences - especially religious differences - rather than treat them as insignificant, and provides new ways to frame polarizing issues around religion, race, and politics. Show Notes Similar episodes: David Brooks: Can We Save Society by Knowing Each Other? Eddie Glaude: On James Baldwin’s America David Desteno: Can Religion Make You Happier? Kristin Du Mez Sits with David French Resources mentioned this episode We Need to Build by Eboo Patel Acts of Faith by Eboo Patel Interfaith America’s website PDF of Lee’s Interview Notes Transcription Link Subscribe to episodes: Apple | Spotify | Amazon | Stitcher | Google | YouTube Follow Us: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube Follow Lee: Instagram | Twitter Join our Email List: nosmallendeavor.com Become a Member: Virtual Only | Standard | Premium See Privacy Policy: Privacy Policy Shop No Small Endeavor Merch: Scandalous Witness Course | Scandalous Witness Book |  Joy & the Good Life Course Amazon Affiliate Disclosure: Tokens Media, LLC is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices