Under the Same Sky

In the coastal town of Seabrook, Amira Hassan felt at home among her diverse neighbors. As a high school history teacher, she took pride in her classroom. It reflected the community's rich mix of faiths and cultures. Students from Christian, Muslim, Jewish, and secular families sat side by side. They celebrated their differences.

Amira's family had lived in Seabrook for three generations. Her grandfather opened the town's first Middle Eastern restaurant. Now, her brother runs the beloved, iconic eatery. On weekends, Amira often joined interfaith potlucks. Her mother's baklava was as welcome as Mrs. O'Brien's Irish soda bread or the Cohens' challah.

But in recent years, Amira noticed subtle changes. Political discussions in the teacher's lounge grew more heated. Some colleagues insisted that school policies should follow Christian values. New laws began to favor Christianity. This left Amira and other non-Christians feeling marginalized.

One day, Amira arrived at school to find parents protesting outside. They demanded the library remove books on Islam and other non-Christian religions. They said the books promoted "un-American values." Amira's heart sank. She recognized faces in the crowd. They were neighbors and parents of her students.

In her classroom, tensions rose. Rhetoric at home emboldened some students. They challenged Amira's lessons on world religions and diversity. "Why should we learn about them?" one student asked, gesturing to his Muslim classmate. "This is a Christian nation."

Amira struggled to maintain the inclusive environment she cherished. She watched as friendships fractured along religious lines. The interfaith potlucks dwindled, replaced by exclusive gatherings. Her brother's restaurant, once a community hub, now sat half-empty most nights. Whispers of a boycott circulated on social media.

As weeks passed, Amira felt increasingly isolated. The town she had always called home now felt foreign and hostile. She thought of moving. But she couldn't abandon her students. They, like her, were now on the margins of this new Seabrook.

One evening, while grading papers, Amira found an essay. It was written by Lily, a quiet Christian student. Lily wrote passionately about the need for religious freedom for all. She cited Seabrook's diverse history as its greatest strength. Tears welled in Amira's eyes. Hope still lingered in unexpected places.

Amira's story is not unique. Communities worldwide face a rise in religious nationalism. Its tendrils reach into daily life, reshaping relationships and challenging belonging. As we explore this, we must ask: How can we keep the diversity and inclusivity that once shaped Seabrook? What are the costs of allowing religious nationalism to dictate our societies? And, how can we build a future where people of all faiths – and no faith – coexist harmoniously?