Let’s Talk
Bridging Divisive Lines through Inclusive and Respectful Conversations
- Ethics, Culture & Social Issues
- Publisher: Cascade Books (Wipf and Stock)
- Published: 2021
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Publisher's Description
The state of public discourse in America is dismal, reflecting an extreme us-versus-them tribalism where "me and my folks" have the full truth about the contentious issue at hand and "those other folks" are devoid of any truth and can even be demonized as evil. Rather than just cursing this darkness, Harold Heie presents what he considers to be a "better way" for those who disagree about contentious issues to respectfully engage one another, a way that is deeply informed by his Christian faith perspective; a way that reflects his understanding that to listen carefully to those who disagree with you and to then talk respectfully about your disagreements is a deep expression of the love for others to which Jesus calls all those who claim to be his followers. But this book is not just an abstract consideration of the nature of civil public discourse. Rather, drawing on his successes and failures, the beautiful and the ugly, in his attempts to orchestrate respectful conversations on contentious issues, both online and in small-group face-to-face meetings during the past decade, Heie presents practical, concrete proposals for how to talk to one another about significant disagreements, particularly in Christian churches that have tragically succumbed to tribalism.
Endorsements (9)
“The way that—in this social and political climate—Harold Heie believes it might just be possible to have ‘respectful conversations’ in which ‘listening well’ prevails must make him the Don Quixote of the Christian world. But maybe, instead of being lost in a never-never land of impossibility, Harold is actually walking the narrow path that leads to eternal life. Read the book to find out why that outrageous idea might actually be the truth.”
“Thanks to Harold Heie for his new book, Let’s Talk. God knows how much we need it in these divisive times! If you’d like to be part of the solution rather than just complaining about the problem, this is a timely, helpful resource.”
“In this revealing and compelling memoir, Heie demonstrates the many qualities that set him apart as a mature and exemplary follower of Jesus. For years, Heie has been calling us to what he calls ‘respectful conversations,’ marked by the biblical characteristics of ‘gentleness and respect.’ Those qualities, together with the author’s characteristic humility, make this a book worthy of serious consideration.”
“So many of us today are imprisoned by tribal politics . . . . That polarization has infected the church, sharply damaging our internal fellowship and our external witness. Heie offers us a liberating way out of our political and religious imprisonment. . . . Learning how to be both honestly rooted in our commitments and deeply open to listening and learning from the other is required for the church’s faithful future.”
“In a time of deep ideological and political polarization, churches have an opportunity and responsibility to model a different way, . . . not by forcing agreement but by inviting conversations that lead to deeper understanding and appreciation of our differences. Harold Heie seeks to give disciples of Jesus a path to reconciliation and renewal that is deeply needed by presenting concrete, practical advice for churches wishing to embark on this journey.”
“On every hand, people are offering reading lists to provide consolation, perspective, or simple distraction amid the raging COVID-19 pandemic. But another malady has plagued mankind for a long time: the vitriolic way in which we often talk to each other about our disagreements. If you want a reading list for that pandemic, I nominate Harold Heie’s new book, Let’s Talk. ‘Come now and let us reason together, saith the Lord.’”
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