I Think You’re Wrong (but I’m Listening)

Holland, a former Hillary Clinton campaign staffer, and Silvers, a life and business coach, provide ways for Christians to respectfully engage in political discussions in this instructive guide. The authors, sorority sisters who both attended Transylvania University in Kentucky, began engaging in public Facebook discussions about politics in the aftermath of the 2016 presidential campaign. Holland took a very liberal stance, whereas Silvers is a conservative. Expanding on those discussions, the authors ask readers “to hear each other’s thoughts, to test our own beliefs against each other’s philosophies, and to better appreciate our own core beliefs by having to articulate and challenge those beliefs.” Most of the book sticks to this point and doesn’t touch on the underlying disagreements that sparked the authors’ initial discussion. This feels like a missed opportunity, especially given their claim that people often spout opinions without researching the facts behind their stances. When the authors do delve into politics, such as in their examination of the history of welfare, they powerfully demonstrate what grace-filled political discussions can look like. Holland and Silvers remind readers that Christian identity doesn’t necessarily determine political affiliation. (Feb.)