Growing up as a devout Jain in America, I experienced the beauty of being an American citizen raised in a minority faith while respecting others who walk a different path. Jainism, a religion of nonviolence, truth, and self-discipline, shaped my life. For example, vegetarianism is not a dietary choice for Jains—it is an expression of our deepest belief in non-violence, as sacred to us as daily prayer to Christians and Muslims or the Sabbath to Jews. But we learn to live in a society where many people eat meat, balancing faith with the humility to accept that not everyone has the same beliefs. This balancing act embodies what I have long loved about my country: a country that welcomes us as we are, without demanding conformity to a particular religion, or diminishing the value of our personal religious beliefs.
Over the course of my life, I have found more and more alignment, albeit imperfect, between the Jain principles and values ​​espoused by the Democratic Party, especially non-violence and the dignity of all living beings. And the Democratic Party’s ideals of inclusion and openness allow me to live authentically, embracing my faith without imposing on others. But I also really appreciate that my close Republican friends live their Christian values ​​by attending church and studying the Bible. And we will discuss our faith and our respective values ​​as how each religion sees forgiveness (he is where God will forgive the wrong believers, while I ask for forgiveness from all living beings who can do it). We show love and respect for each other that can only be found in this country. The spirit of cooperation and love seems to be rare nowadays, because the political divisions are deepening.
What bothers me the most is how the public debate about faith has changed. On the one hand, there is an inclusive vision of America – where different ways of life are accepted and celebrated – but this plurality is often rejected by some faith leaders because of the lack of morality in society. On the other hand, a narrow interpretation of Christianity pushed into public policy by figures like Donald Trump is so antithetical to decency that no devout person, regardless of faith, should be able to follow their behavior and language. From the vulgar way he talked about touching women on the Access Hollywood tape to never feeling remorse for the one-page ad he took out in the New York Times to blame the now-exonerated Lima who ended up in prison when he was innocent, Trump. lack of moral character.
For those of us who seek to live by the values ​​of a minority religion, a deep and persistent lack of character escalates into fear and alienation. It is not in the Jain tradition to impose our beliefs on others, although issues like non-violence, which informs the vegetarian lifestyle, feel as fundamental to us as moral or religious precepts. We do it humbly, knowing that not everyone will follow the same path. This humility born from the minority, I believe, is a gift – which can be a model for the political and religious conversation that we need today.
There was a time in not too distant memory when Americans of different political persuasions and faith beliefs found common ground. As a Jain, I have discussed non-violence with Christian conservative friends, who relate to their pro-life commitment, or with vegan, atheist friends, who see parallels in animal rights or environmental activism. Differences in how we apply our values ​​do not separate us; more, they enriched the conversation and reflected the beauty of the United States of America, a country that is home to citizens with different religions and nuanced views.
But now, the same conversation where there is disagreement is defamation. Americans can no longer hold different views or espouse different faith traditions; those who do are considered inappropriate, deranged, or suffering from some form of ideological disorder by one side of the political aisle. That side accuses everyone else of suffering from “Trump/TDS derangement syndrome” or “woke chaos,” as if any deviation from the current Republican worldview is a sign of mental decline. The license to use such language is apparent from Trump, who often uses the same language for political opponents, or even for Republicans who do not support him. The widespread adoption of such a divided language erodes the possibility of mutual respect and makes dialogue impossible. It leaves most Americans — who rarely fit into one political box — stranded, longing for a time when we disagreed without tearing each other down.
This past weekend, we witnessed the foul language displayed at Trump’s Madison Square Garden rally where invited speakers had been investigated by Trump and his previous campaign, and speakers used language like “garbage” and “degenerates” to describe fellow Americans. 
The America I love—a place where we respect each other and our American ideals, including the freedom to practice our individual beliefs—feels out of my reach. Religious minorities like the Jains are probably not the only ones who feel this way. I imagine many Americans – whether Christians, Hindus, Jews, Muslims, Sikhs, or unrelated – are watching with great heart as our sense of purpose is lost under the weight of division.
But I still hope. We still have the power to restore what we have lost. America’s strength lies not in enforcing conformity but in allowing people to live by their values ​​while respecting the beliefs of others. It’s time for patriotic Americans—on both sides of the political aisle—to rise above polarization and rebuild the trust that has been broken, and not allow the hateful rhetoric pushed by one party to go any further.
When I watch the MLB playoffs, I am reminded that baseball stadiums are full of Americans of different political backgrounds who can come together to cheer on their home team. That gives me faith that after this toxic election, America, regardless of party or faith, can restore beauty as fellow citizens-not divided by beliefs, but united in commitment to the future together.
But it will take us to stand up for Donald Trump, a person who is likely to see me as less patriotic than any supporter, and vote for Kamala Harris for President of the United States at this time. I believe the America I love—a place where Jains can sit at the same table with Christians, Muslims, and atheists with our concerns about raising children—is still there, and together, we need to reclaim it.
Disclaimer
The views expressed above are the author’s.
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