Differentiation and Communion
The essence of life is differentiation and communion—becoming fully yourself while living in harmony with others. Too often, people focus on controlling what they don’t understand, driven by fear and the desire to maintain rigid boundaries. But life itself teaches a different way. God and the entire cosmos are about two things: differentiation (people and things becoming themselves) and communion (living in supportive coexistence). The diversity in nature, in cultures, and in people is not a threat but a sign of life’s expansive, creative energy. True wisdom allows others to exist as they are, without needing to fit them into narrow boxes or roles.
Our understanding of human identity, especially around gender and sexual orientation, has evolved. This is no accident—it is a reflection of the deep complexity in every person. Cultures that honor this complexity have long known that there’s nothing to fear in difference. Institutional religion tends to think of people as very simple, and therefore the law must be very complex to protect them in every situation. The challenge for us is to shift our focus from fear and control to love and understanding, which brings us into communion.
Simple truths guide us: love others as you love yourself, and allow people to express who they are. These principles free us from the artificial limits we place on ourselves and others. It is all about union—union with God, others, and what is, however it presents itself. When we recognize that everyone belongs and that no label can capture the full beauty of who a person is, we open ourselves to a life of connection and peace.