Indulging in a wide spectrum of ideas, beliefs, and perspectives is a
critical cornerstone of democracy. After all, it is often debates over
differences of opinion, such as whether to legalize abortion, how
to treat prisoners, or when to enact the death penalty, that shape our
society and drive it forward. Such diversity of thought is frequently
regarded as the hallmark of a healthy and civilized culture. As the
Reverend Clifford Schutjer of the First Congregational Church in
Mansfield, Ohio, declared in a 2001 sermon, “Surrounding oneself
with only like-minded people, restricting what we listen to or read
only to what we find agreeable is irresponsible. Refusing to entertain
doubts once we make up our minds is a subtle but deadly form of arrogance.”
With this advice in mind, Introducing Issues with Opposing
Viewpoints books aim to open readers’ minds to the critically divergent
views that comprise our world’s most important debates.