In order for people to make a difference, they have to be willing to encounter difference themselves, says Randall Bush, director of the Interdisciplinary Honors program and professor of Christian studies and philosophy at Union. Bush often uses the story of Abraham. Here is a man who left his familiar territory and ventured into a land that was strange, and experienced different cultures. I think God used that experience to stretch the boundaries of his capacity, and ultimately, his effectiveness in making a difference. Faith, Bush says, is one place where the aspect of difference can be visible.
Faith is willing to take the risk by embracing difference.
This, as Bush points out, is what helps us grow. When you go through an experience of encountering different ideas and moving outside of your personal box encountering things that are strange and risky this is what helps to develop us, explains Bush. He says that when differences are experienced, individual character is developed and we grow as people. When we are then later called upon to make a difference, then we really can. Bush believes that the person who doesn t risk anything is not going to make a real difference.