Politics and religion--two topics that were not talked about in "polite" society--yet all my education and much of my work background are in those two areas. Why? Because I believe we really get to know ourselves in relationship with others. Because we understand better who we are by what we are willing to commit ourselves to.I have 15 years of formal religious education and three years at a "secular" college. I have spent much of my adult life working or volunteering in the areas of politics and religion. I have learned that while there may be much to separate or divide us, it is the common elements of our lives that make us strong--together. And, it is our willingness to listen to one another that makes all the difference, that helps bring about solutions that move us forward.In our highly technical, numbers-driven culture, it is still people that make a difference--and we need to learn to appreciate both our similarities and our differences!Nancy Simenz, M.T.S.