Reading the Bible can inspire a deeper relationship with God, but can it also help readers find common ground and forge bonds with others around them? Several new books from religion publishers say yes. These titles examine disagreements on a broad scale in the nation and culture, as well as within families and neighborhoods, offering insights on how to draw on Christian practices and teachings to do more than just get along.
The Science of the Good Samaritan: Thinking Bigger About Loving Our Neighbors by Emily Smith (Zondervan, out now) explores what loving your neighbor looks like, demonstrated by the biblical parable of the Good Samaritan. Smith—an epidemiologist who created the Facebook page Friendly Neighbor Epidemiologist—calls on Christians to reach outside their immediate circles, redefine what “neighbor” means, and help bridge society’s inequities. While providing steps to take for building a more just world, she writes, “Getting along is not the goal. Real peace is.”
Also addressing the idea of a “neighbor,” Redemptive Service: Loving Our Neighbors Well by Lisa P. Stephenson and Ruthie Wienk (Baker Academic, Apr. 2024), introduces readers to redemptive service—intentional and informed action for those who are disenfranchised or impoverished. The authors provide readers with “a holistic look at why service matters and how to serve well,” says Baker Academic acquiring editor Anna Gissing. “Loving and serving our neighbors—defined in a broad sense—is something that can unify us across significant political and cultural divides.”
Two other books offer tools for resolving disagreement. Learning to Disagree: The Surprising Path to Navigating Differences with Empathy and Respect (Zondervan, Apr. 2024) is by John Inazu, a professor of law at Washington University in St. Louis and former litigator who spent much of his career doing what he calls “disagreeing well” with others. The book explores strategies for clear and authentic dialogue as well as tips for cultivating empathy in order to “move from stuck, broken disagreements to mature, healthy disagreements,” according to the publisher.
Loving Disagreement: Fighting for Community Through the Fruit of the Spirit (NavPress, out now) by Matt Mikalatos and Kathy Khang takes a dual perspective of how the fruit of the Spirit—including love, joy, peace, and kindness—can help Christians connect to those with whom they disagree.
“[Jesus’] disciples regrouped, bickered, split up, found their communities and circles of influence. But they kept at it—kept fighting for community even in disagreement—and we think that is part of Jesus’ invitation to us,” Khang writes. Caitlin Carlson, senior editor at NavPress, says, “They challenge the church to take the fruit of the Spirit seriously—to grapple with how kindness requires sacrifice, gentleness requires seeing the vulnerable and marginalized, and more.”
Finally, host of the That’s Just What I Needed podcast Donna Jones looks at common conflict mistakes in Healthy Conflict, Peaceful Life: A Biblical Guide for Communicating Thoughts, Feelings, and Opinions with Grace, Truth, and Zero Regret (Thomas Nelson, Feb. 2024). The book offers tools for communicating thoughts and feelings “with grace and truth, and remain calm in the midst of chaos,” according to the publisher.
According to Brigitta Nortker, editorial director for Nelson Books, the book can have an impact on both readers’ relationships with God as well as with those around them. “Donna encourages readers to look at themselves first before blaming someone else,” she says. “Her emphasis on humility as the number one ingredient for good relationships is essential, especially now. She shows readers that engaging in healthy conflict can actually lead to deeper relationships and deeper connection with our community and God.”
