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persistent_reader's review against another edition
5.0
It's a very human reaction to want to run from conflict and disagreement in the church. But I would argue that it's impossible to grow as individuals and communities otherwise. Even coming to faith for the first time required a disagreement - a disagreement with my former self. And that's only just the beginning.
The authors of "Loving Disagreement" see disagreement as opportunities to grow in the fruit of the Spirit, and they get very, very practical. After all, who needs love, patience, kindness, etc. if every human interaction went perfectly (for me)? How would we learn if we were never exposed to people who think differently? We wouldn't. And do we honestly think we get everything right all the time? We don't. The chapters based on each "fruit" examine what happens when we don't deal with these conflicts well, and the growth that can occur when we approach these situations with love and humility.
I listened to the audiobook twice. The two authors were the readers, and it added to the content. It was like sitting in the same room as they discussed their stories and their personal desire to grow in the fruit of the Spirit.
Having spent many years in conflict-avoidant religious groups, I've seen what happens when fear leads to denial, when disagreements are unaddressed, and when unity is only as deep as the conformity. Thus "Loving Disagreement" is a book I've long been waiting for. The church of Jesus Christ deserves better because the Holy Spirit is able to grow fruit in the unlikeliest places. Lord, give us faith to believe this!
I highly recommend this book. It's my number 1 for 2023.
The authors of "Loving Disagreement" see disagreement as opportunities to grow in the fruit of the Spirit, and they get very, very practical. After all, who needs love, patience, kindness, etc. if every human interaction went perfectly (for me)? How would we learn if we were never exposed to people who think differently? We wouldn't. And do we honestly think we get everything right all the time? We don't. The chapters based on each "fruit" examine what happens when we don't deal with these conflicts well, and the growth that can occur when we approach these situations with love and humility.
I listened to the audiobook twice. The two authors were the readers, and it added to the content. It was like sitting in the same room as they discussed their stories and their personal desire to grow in the fruit of the Spirit.
Having spent many years in conflict-avoidant religious groups, I've seen what happens when fear leads to denial, when disagreements are unaddressed, and when unity is only as deep as the conformity. Thus "Loving Disagreement" is a book I've long been waiting for. The church of Jesus Christ deserves better because the Holy Spirit is able to grow fruit in the unlikeliest places. Lord, give us faith to believe this!
I highly recommend this book. It's my number 1 for 2023.
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