Do conservatives really not care what happens in this world? Of course not! They want a peaceful, prosperous, and beautiful world to share with their families and with others. Do liberals really not care if there is no purpose to life beyond our mortal existence? Of course not! They want to offer hope and strength to their families when they face tragedy and death.

Both liberals and conservatives desire salvation. They, like all humans, are trapped in pains and struggles of this world and seek to be saved out of that in order to share in a better life for themselves and their families. They disagree as to the focus of this salvation: conservatives emphasizing the intervention of God to save us from death and liberals the intervention of humans to save us from immediate problems in this world. However, both are working toward a common end: salvation from what would consume them and their families in pain if left unattended.

Whether we celebrate Christmas or not this year, let’s take some comfort in the hope that we are not so different. We all seek salvation. And, perhaps, we can give each other the gift of greater charity and cooperation as we seek that salvation in our respective ways this coming year.