Many congregations have no way to deal with the expression of any disagreement or strong emotion. It is no wonder that those who might talk about these issues in their congregations fear that they might be greeted with anger, hostility and divisiveness—or fear that their efforts might be met with apathy and inaction, results which would increase their own feelings of powerlessness.

The techniques we have explored here seem to offer ways to approach the religious issues behind the "social issues" in ways that do not immediately trigger reactions of fear, hostility, and polarization. We have attempted this, first, through issues of war. But we suspect that the anger or apathy around other social issues is similarly fed by human reactions which may defy discussion but cry out for expression in the religious context.

"What does the Lord require of you?

     To act justly,

          to love constantly,

               to walk humbly with your God."