Father Augustine Wetta and Umar Lee read "The Disagreement Manifesto" The purpose of the podcast is not to convince, convert, propagandize or win. Unlike other podcasts, we are two men with wildly different religious, political, and social convictions seeking mutual understanding.  The point is dialogue. The opinions expressed in this podcast are exactly that.  While our religious convictions inform these opinions, neither of us claims to present an infallible—or even an accurate—representation of the dogmas or defenses of our respective faiths.  We try to be true to our respective traditions, but if listeners are seeking apologetic or dogmatic expositions, they are invited to look elsewhere. Why does the world need this podcast?  Because we’ve got enough outrage, conflict, competition, and contempt in the media.  We feel that the world could use an example of civil dialogue—conversation, as opposed to debate.* *Not that there’s anything wrong with debate.  The world needs provocateurs, agitators, debates, and protests.  That’s just not what we’re doing here. With that in mind we: 1.  Will not use notes or electronic devices during the podcast.  Otherwise, it just becomes a battle of the cell phones.  (Listeners can ‘fact check’ if they like.  In fact, we encourage you to do so in the comments section. As for us, we trust that one another’s facts are exactly that.) 2.  We will feel free to tease one another, but never disrespect or dismiss. 3.  We will seek first to understand rather than to be understood.