Each of us in this life is on a journey to find ourself.  For me, as a person of faith, finding myself is finding that unique gift from God that matches up with where the world has greatest need (paraphrasing Walter Brueggeman).

It follows then that people who don't yet get the ideals that we liberals expouse, haven't really begun to find themselves.  It's not a linear thing in which my journey is superior to theirs either (though I often find that difficult to really believe).

I think it's just part of a very complex process in which others, regardless of their beliefs, affect each other in unexpected ways.

I would encourage an attitude of offering others respect in their journeys, just as you would want this for yourself.  Make yourself a compassionate person even as you remain passionate with your beliefs; say what you believe.

Ask the important questions about what gives life meaning and listen to where their values are coming from.  If you can't get somewhere with this don't bother engaging them any further.  

It really comes down to liberals offering a life with meaning and today's conservatives offering a life of greed.  If you can get them to walk away wondering more about their own life and how much meaning it contains (without getting preachy), you've done all you can do.

Regards,

Patrick Briggs,
Pasadena, CA