This kind of open interaction is what I believe needs to occur more often if we are going to build community amidst great disagreement in theology, ideology and politics.

A primary cause of incivility in public discourse emanates from arrogating to ourselves the role of Judge. On this the Jewish tradition is clear: we are not the Judge. At our best, as my friend pointed out, we may be a teacher.

Before, I thought you were just another cable news talk show host. Now, you are using the language of a spiritual and even a religious leader. But to invoke the name of God and the vocation of a spiritual leader has consequences.

I thought Beck's rather extreme and misguided comments needed a response, but I did not attack him personally; nor will I.