A dialogue between two friends - one an atheist (me) and the other a minister (Mary), exploring the universal imperative of caring for one another, and what that looks like in politically divisive times.

Despite the differences in our belief systems, we share a profound agreement on the importance of human empathy, mutual support, and compassion as a foundational human value. We talk about maintaining human connection across ideological divides, and explore what genuine care looks like in practice - beyond theoretical or philosophical positions.

The takeaway? Compassion is not dependent on shared religious beliefs, and ethical care of each other as humans transcends idelogical and religious differences.

My challenge to listeners is to consider :

• How can we practice empathy with those who hold fundamentally different worldviews?
• What does meaningful community care look like in challenging times?
• How do personal beliefs inform our approach to supporting others?

About my Guest

Mary Nelson is a Transitional Conference Minister with the Missouri Mid-South Conference with the United Church of Christ. Her primary work is with congregations in transition and crisis and providing leadership resources. She works with clergy of the Region in offering counsel, support and advice as well as pastoral care.

Raised in Plymouth UCC in Des Moines, Iowa, Mary Nelson earned her Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies at Grinnell College, Grinnell, IA; and then her Masters of Divinity at Candler School of Theology at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. Pastor for six years of the Malletts Bay Congregational Church UCC in Colchester, Vermont, she has served as a leader in the UCC 2030 Clergy Network National Planning Team. In 2009, she received a UCC Presidential Fellowship, recognizing new clergy of exceptional promise for national leadership.