I have been hearing from a number of discouraged people lately. They don’t want to watch the news, or check in on Facebook and other social media, or read the paper sometimes because of the anger they encounter in all those places.

I understand. Sometimes it seems impossible to have a conversation about what is better for our communities, locally or worldwide, without hard lines being drawn and opposing sides being unwaveringly chosen. It seems as if rational, honest, clear-headed debate is impossible. Each side questions the patriotism, integrity and character — and even the faith —...