In an era marked by deep political divides, the concept of a culture of encounter has emerged as a powerful force for unity and understanding. Inspired by Pope Francis’s teachings, this approach emphasizes respectful engagement across differences, offering a path forward for democratic societies grappling with polarization.
The idea of encounter transcends mere political discourse, encompassing a broader commitment to building a society of self-governing equals. This vision aligns with the democratic ideals championed by thinkers like John Stuart Mill, John Dewey, and Jane Addams, who saw democracy not just as a form of government but as a way of life.
The Essence of a Democratic People
At the heart of democracy lies the concept of the demos or the people who collectively exercise self-government. Pope Francis’s notion of a culture of encounter underscores the importance of fostering a shared identity through social and cultural bonds. This process, which Francis refers to as people-building is not automatic but rather a slow, difficult journey toward a common project.
Francis’s use of the term pueblo which can mean nation, village, or the poor, reflects a deliberate blending of meanings. He distinguishes this concept from the primordial, nationalist understanding of the people, emphasizing instead a shared identity forged through collective action. Popular movements of the poor and marginalized exemplify this agency, solving shared problems, resisting injustice, and envisioning a common future.
The Dynamics of Encounter
Encounter, as envisioned by Pope Francis, involves relating to fellow citizens in ways that transcend politics. It is about creating spaces where politics is irrelevant, not suppressed, but where our vital differences can be acknowledged and respected. This approach ensures that democracy does not overwhelm everything else but rather flourishes when we enact relations where politics is beside the point.
The culture of encounter is both a means and an end in the process of people-building. It is about creating processes that build a people capable of accepting differences. This insight is profound because it recognizes that democracy needs a demos and we cannot take the existence of this demos for granted. Peoples are constituted by ongoing practices of communication and joint action aimed at solving common problems.
The Importance of Civility in Political Discourse
Civility must drive the political bus if we are to address our deep democratic divides. As President John F. Kennedy noted, civility is not a sign of weakness, and sincerity is always subject to proof. In the lead-up to the 2026 mid-term elections, the current political climate cannot sustain itself without a return to respectful dialogue and tolerance.
Political discourse has devolved into constant arguing filled with the unmovable thought that both sides are always right. We must return to the days when opposite opinions could be aired in a civil manner without fear of escalation. This requires diligence in seeking out the truth about every candidate, supporting good candidates who represent their constituents, and voting as a duty rather than a privilege.
The political process is rife with irreverence and disrespect, with little tolerance for opposing views. We must return to a level of civility where we can accept opposing views and tolerate the time it takes for them to be heard. Kindness counts, and local journalism matters in sustaining this work.
