How to Heal Our Divides: A Practical Guide

It’s not difficult to imagine what will happen if we don’t work to heal our divides; divisive forces will continue to wreck havoc andbreak us more. From the opening to practical tools, this is a valuable book for people who are either working to heal the divide already or want to learn more about how to get started.In a world where evil is so often in the spotlight, this book featurespeacemakers healing the divide in so many unique ways. By being reminded of all the good things they are doing, this collection will encourage workers of peace who may find themselves weary at times. Theparts about culture care and those who make beautiful things with intention such as Makoto Fujimura and Vanessa Ryerse are refreshing, too.The book is also a good launching place for people who want to get started. There are important perspectives, organizations to join,models to get started, and given the unique accounts, the potential tomake fresh connections or imagine new ways to contribute.If you’re tired of division, get this book on being a “creative practitioner of un-division.”

Brian Allain and Adam Thomas have compiled a compelling collection of essays from authors and activists that address both the why and the how bridging divides. From the outstanding opening by Brian D. McLaren about why change is so difficult, through dozens of examples of faith in action on multiple issues, this book delivers countless ways to learn, listen and act. I underlined pages of ideas and googled so many of the authors to learn more about their work. There is also a fantastic appendix at the end with links to featured organizations and further recommended reading. This is great book for one person wanting to make a difference, as well as book club discussions or houses of faith to put in practice. If you want to put your faith in action--start with reading this book.

How to Heal Our Divides was a balm as the COVID lockdown was lifted. The nation was polarized by lies and hatred. It was very toxic.How to Heal Our Divides provides an antidote to the fear, anger, & heartbreak of the preceeding years and anxiety for our future. The book introduces us to a collection of diverse individuals and organizations that are working toward solutions through their faith. I have found like-minded people who can nourish and inform my mission as I walk among the political signs still displayed in my small, rural community.Thx ;)

I experience every-day divides, as do all people if they are willing to admit it. I have found myself looking to How To Heal Our Divides for immediate problem-solving ideas that I can use in daily struggles. I don't call myself political--just one who needs guidance, understanding, and humility in every-day relationships. I find answers for society can work for individuals, also! Great collection of stories!"Marsha Werle, Christian children's author

This book is great and has a motivating selection of perspectives from people who live out their vision for relief and justice in an oppressive and strife filled world. It is a fast and easy read that inspires hope and action for people who want to help solve the problems behind division and spiritually stubborn politics.

How to Heal Our DividesI did not devour this book. I read slowly, chapter by chapter, letting the story of connection unfold with each of the offerings. I read, consider, read again. I could hear the heartbeat of our human desire to be good, to do better, to treat each other and ourselves with respect. There are pathways to concrete actions that are highlighted. There are invitations to join in those efforts. Educating and illuminating!

Much has been said about the need for healing the divisions in our world, but not a great deal has been said on how to solve them. Here is the answer. This timely book is a wonderfully rich, practical text that addresses not just the WHY but the HOW of healing. Featuring organizations that are taking real action to address these issues, and with essays from a variety of well-known authors including Shane Claiborne, Brian McLaren, Parker Palmer and Rabbi Rami Shapiro, How to Heal Our Divides is an important step towards healing, reconciliation and hope. I love what Diana Butler Bass said in her contribution: 'Why heal our divides? Because if we do, we heal ourselves.'Amen. Who can argue with that?

It will take good time to read through all that is here. But even just spending a few hours reviewing chapter titles such as: It begins with humility; Three shifts for healing religious divides; America Doesn’t Need Fewer Arguments, It Needs Less Stupid Ones... is evidence of riches. Already I am absorbing. There's something in reading a compilation--so many minds and hearts and words coming together. And so many ideas to Get Moving. "Doing" is always more than "Talking." Yet always must be started with words; in the beginning was the Word. So let's get on it! Grateful this is in the world.