Dialogue is the field where the exploration of meaning occurs between us in the human community. Obviously, we as humans interpret meaning in various ways as a result of living in different cultures, growing up with different stories, participating in different religions or spiritual paths, et cetera. And the language of meaning is not the same for us all. I know best the language of Christianity because of my upbringing and training. But it is not the only language of meaning I know.
Dialogue takes time.
Time to learn another's language and the context of that person's life. Too often I make instant judgments about who someone is based on a five-minute conversation. Of course, it is never an accurate assessment and only serves to create distance between us. Not an act that creates dialogue or relationship. And dialogue demands courage.