Tapestry of Faith: A Place of Wholeness: A Program for Youth Exploring Their Own Unitarian Universalist Faith Journeys

Activity 3: The Other Perspective

Activity time: 15 minutes

Materials for Activity

  • Blank paper - at least one sheet per participant
  • Pens or pencils

Description of Activity

This activity helps participants practice tolerance of many perspectives.

Begin by inviting participants to reflect:

Think about a time when you witnessed someone take a stand on an issue that was counter to what you believe or would advocate. Perhaps you thought it was an irrational, hateful, or ill-informed perspective. Reflect on why you think someone might take that perspective or stand on the issue.

Distribute paper and pens or pencils, and tell the participants that they have about seven minutes to write a letter or statement as if they were that person. Make an argument from that person's perspective, imagining what you think they would say and how they would justify their stance.

After seven minutes, ask a couple of volunteers to briefly explain the situation and share what they wrote.

After a few people have shared, ask the group: should we tolerate these perspectives? Are some beliefs intolerable? How should we decide where to draw the line separating what is tolerable from what is intolerable? Invite discussion about the writing exercise, how it felt, and the role of tolerance in these situations.