Charitable Discourse: Talking About the Things That Divide Us

by Dan Boone

Homosexuality, social drinking, and politics . . .Why is it so hard to talk about these topics and others like them in the church? What keeps us from having open and honest conversations about complex and controversial issues? The silence in the pews about these matters can be deafening. Often members say little, fearing disagreement and rebuttal, others strongly assert half-truths and biases. Nothing gets truly discussed, and many, especially the youth, become discouraged and leave.

A Charitable Discourse insightfully explores why this happens, looking closely at the ways people avoid and prevent authentic dialog, from labeling and grandstanding to religious abuse. Seven controversial issues are discussed with understanding, sincerity, and compassion.

Genres: Nonfiction, Spirituality, Ebooks

194 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2011

Reviews

[Mike · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definitely some issues that Boone and I would not agree on, but that's the point. It's not about his or anyone else's views on the issues. It's about being able to share the issues without purposing division. In that spirit, I dig it.

[Mo Hickman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Boone asks for more conversations and he has a lot to talk about. Part 1 was thoughtful and persuasive and gave me high hopes for the rest. However, Part 2 fell into the same problems that all books of this sort face: saying nothing while trying to say everything. Trying to give opinions on multiple controversial topics in brief chapters just isn't effective communication. At worst, it's damaging to not give proper care to such sensitive matters. Part 3 got rambly, as if Boone just needed to say everything else he had left to say. He has many good things to say and his passion for loving change is evident and appreciated. I'm just not sure this book will get him the results he's looking for though. Maybe that's why he wrote a sequel...

[Joseph Gonzales · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must-read. One of the few books today that encourages much needed conversation in the Church.

[Curt Matzenbacher · Rating 3 out of 5]

The fact that the principles laid out in this book are easier said than done is proven by the demonstration that the author himself has trouble applying them consistently. He sets up ground rules, spends some time demonstrating open conversation on a few topics, then completely switches format for the chapters on homosexuality. This was disappointing, since I agree with him that this is an area where the church is doing a huge amount of harm today. In the chapters on homosexuality, Boone suddenly begins making assumptions about the motives of gay individuals. He really does suddenly abandon his format of presenting different sides of the conversation, and instead starts preaching and throwing out Scriptures (while ridiculing other interpretations). He repeatedly equates homosexuality with promiscuity and shows consistent misinformation (e.g., stating that from his anecdotal evidence, about 30% of homosexuals can change their orientation, and that a large percentage of homosexuals have over 1,000 sexual partners). This was my biggest beef with the book by far, but it did get my community group engaged in a good dialogue... Even if most of the members are concerned about my soul now.

[Shannen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think we are dawning on a new season where it's going to take more than just "believe it because I said it." This generation is expecting more. More proof, more reason.

In this book Dan Boone explains that it's time to have a conversation about the difficult subjects we as Christians have been ignoring, or sweeping under the rug. I agree.

Dan does a great job picking apart several "taboo" subjects, including homosexuality, and gives both sides to the issues. I think this book and the information inside gives a good platform to discuss with other people the controversial subject that surround us.

[Janet LaLone · Rating 5 out of 5]

keep learning

I wish I had read this book when it was first published. Now fourteen years later it is still very relevant. My word for this year is “learn.” I’m off to a good start.

[Mike McVey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chapter 25, "Litmus Test" moves this book from 3 stars to 4 stars.

[Mary Breddin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing book. I think every Pastor, spiritual leader, staff members, and lay people would do well to read this book. It is not long but full of wisdom.

[Duane Sonnenberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reasoned, thoughtful, and understandable-

I found the ideas and questions found in this book to be thoughtful, caring and reasoned. A good read for discussion groups.

[Jamie Pennington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty Good. I like Dan Boone. Heard him speak once at Olivette Nazarene University.