Those who take a position and advocate it are branded by their opponents by labels such as conservative or liberal, not to be descriptive, but to be dismissive. Threats and challenges are hurled at those with whom we disagree. Opponents gradually become enemies. In such struggles the first victim, as in any war, is truth. People bear false witness against their neighbors, stereotyping them and invoking half truths and innuendo.
Simplistic slogans replace careful analysis.
Civility is exiled. Truth is crucified. All that counts is winning or losing. I have already referred to the ecclesiastical issues around which these tribal battles are publicly fought. There are other reasons for our turmoil in our society and in our Church which I will not go into, which means that in one sense, these issues around which we struggle are symptomatic of some very deep currents in our society which need to be addressed.