Earlier today I had the privilege to be part of a Q&A session relating to my new book, Finding My Lost Voice. I was asked a bunch of insightful questions. Questions, when answered, reflect a grasp and understanding of the big ‘Why?’ of the book?

The first is, how have people responded to it? To be transparent, I am not surprised by the responses I have received.

In the Preface I allude to possible responses:

“Finding My Lost Voice will be filled with acknowledgements of failure. I will not pretend that I have not had a part or played a role in the situation we find ourselves in. I will own up when I believe our generation has failed those coming after us. But I will also express an opinion on our present failures. This may infuriate those who embrace a narrative that insists on me being politically correct, and that is okay. The intention is not to be controversial, but it may come across that way, and quite possibly you will not agree with everything I say. There are two ways you may find what I have written hard to accept. On the one hand, you may not appreciate my conservative perspective whilst, on the other hand, you may find what I say too liberal. It is worthwhile noting that I have aimed at creating that tension; all I ask is that you engage with what I write. Think about it and from an informed perspective, step into the arena. It is unhelpful and cowardly to sit on the social media grandstand and throw rocks at those who are trying to make this world a better place for all. Please receive Finding My Lost Voice as an attempt at doing that.” (Page 17)

Many readers have embraced the nuance in opening ‘hard to speak about’ conversations, loving the platform to do so. Others, as anticipated, believe I have gone too far and still others think I could have taken a much more ‘progressive and politically correct’ position. I am encouraged by this, as it means the book is hitting its intended mark. The desire is that we all, and especially as Christians, think through what we believe. And that we refuse to regurgitate what ‘mob mentality’ tells us to think. We have a voice, and we get to use it for justice, embracing kindness and humility as we do.

Another question that I was asked is how the various chapters have reflected my personal journey? I am South African, with a South African context. Whilst I live in Cape Town, I grew up on a farm in a rural part of South Africa. I love this country and whilst a couple of the chapters deal directly with the place I call home, all the chapters deal directly with my heart. And these same principles are applicable across the world, no matter the context. Race issues affect everyone. As a man, the women in my life are either beneficiaries of my love and sacrifice, or of my bigoted misogyny. We should all know what we believe about sexuality, and as a spiritual leader I either bring life and light into dark places, or live out my narcissism, thriving on adulation whilst abusing the power I have over others. It is important what we believe about Palestine and Israel, how to relate to the poor, and how we can remain sensitive towards those struggling with body image.

Finding My Lost Voice must invoke a response. You cannot read through it and remain neutral. But I make this appeal to those who follow Christ. Keep Him, not your prejudices, not your political allegiance, not your theological bias ahead of you.