October Book of the Month: Compassion & Conviction

The October book of month is…(I’m assuming you are holding your breath)… Compassion & Conviction by Justin Giboney, Michael Wear, and Chris Butler!  In today’s polarized political climate, many of us feel caught in the middle—too progressive for conservatives and too conservative for progressives. So, where do we fit in? How can we advocate for truth while showing compassion? How do we engage in political conversations while honoring those who may disagree with us?

This insightful book, published in 2020, speaks directly to us as Christians seeking to navigate civic engagement faithfully. The authors represent the AND Campaign, dedicated to educating and mobilizing Christians for meaningful cultural and civic involvement, aiming for better representation, just policies, and a healthier political landscape.

With these book recommendations, I hope to not only expose you to great works of literature, but also to gifted authors and, in this case, a WONDERFUL organization.  The AND Campaign is in invaluable resource and I highly encourage you to explore their website, podcast, and other content they offer.

You may recognize one of the authors, Justin Giboney! He’s a friend of Redeemer’s and has even graced our pulpit as a guest preacher. Check out one of his past sermons here.

Things I loved from the book:

1. Integration of Faith and Civic Responsibility: 

This book emphasizes that Christians should actively engage in civic life, seeing it as an extension of their faith. This involves understanding the importance of both compassion (love and empathy) and conviction (moral clarity and principles).

2. Balance Between Love and Truth: The authors advocate for a balanced approach where believers uphold their convictions while also demonstrating compassion. This dual focus helps in addressing social issues without compromising core beliefs.

3. Engagement in Public Discourse: The authors encourage constructive dialogue on divisive topics, stressing the need for Christians to listen, learn, and articulate their views respectfully and thoughtfully.

4. Action-Oriented Faith: The guide highlights the importance of translating faith into action, motivating readers to participate in community service, advocacy, and policy engagement, ensuring their actions reflect their values in the public sphere.

SUMMARY:

“Compassion (&) Conviction: The AND Campaign's Guide to Faithful Civic Engagement” emphasizes the importance of integrating faith with civic responsibility. The authors argue for a balanced approach that combines compassion and conviction, urging Christians to engage in public life with both love and strong moral principles. The book provides practical guidance on how to navigate complex social issues while maintaining a faithful stance, advocating for justice and mercy in the political arena. It encourages readers to foster dialogue (love this!) and understanding across differences, ultimately aiming for a more engaged and faithful citizenship.