Why is it so hard to talk about these topics and others like them in the church? What keeps us from having open and honest conversations about complex and controversial issues?
The silence in the pews about these matters can be deafening. Members may say little, fearing rebuttal, or they may strongly assert half-truths and biases. Nothing actually gets discussed, and many people-especially the youth-become discouraged and leave.
A Charitable Discourse explores why this happens, looking closely at the practices that prevent authentic dialogue: from labeling and grandstanding to Scripture misuse. But this book goes even further. It models how to communicate, taking seven controversial issues and discussing them with understanding and compassion. Each issue is introduced, described, and insightfully examined.
Emphasizing the necessity of love this engaging work blazes new trails. It clears the way for believers who are yearning for mature, holy, and charitable conversations about difficult topics that really do matter. It covers ground many fear to tread and over which others hope to follow.