Why one theologian’s advice for a bitterly divided nation holds true today

By: Michael Bruening, Missouri University of Science and Technology, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: December 3, 2025

Words: 1,196

Last Updated: 1 month, 1 week ago

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By Michael Bruening, Missouri University of Science and Technology

Ideological division was tearing the country apart. Factions denounced each other as unpatriotic and evil. There were attempted kidnappings and assassinations of political figures. Public monuments and art were desecrated all over the country.

This was France in the middle of the 16th century. The divisions were rooted in religion.

The Protestant minority denounced Catholics as “superstitious idolaters,” while the Catholics condemned Protestants as “seditious …

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