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All Together Different: Upholding the Church's Unity While Honoring Our Individual Identities
Can we all just get along? E Pluribus Unum : “Out of many, one.” This motto is emblazoned on the Great Seal of the United States, but it could be the church’s model, too. Unfortunately, the daily experience of many Christians and churches feels like the out of one, many. We are increasingly aware of what makes us different from others, and it is hurting the church and its witness. All Together Different will help readers understand why we find it so difficult “to just get along.” Drawing from research on personal and group identity, it equips readers to navigate a culture that often pays lip service to the value of diversity, but struggles to foster constructive dialogue and mutual respect. With clear writing and real-life stories, All Together Different translates social identity theory for pastors, church leaders, and ministry practitioners, exposing it to the light of biblical and theological reflection.
- GenresNonfictionChurch
272 pages, Paperback
Published February 6, 2018
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298 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
February 23, 2021
A very thoughtful, academic, and substantive book that encourages the church to think differently about the word “identity” as it’s thrown around in 21st century America.
Tucker & Koessler tackle some tough topics in this book - and, while they don’t descend into the depths of all of the problems and solutions behind them, they create a growth-oriented dialogue within each, pushing for change and diversity within the church body. I appreciated their thorough-but-brief discussion of racial, gender, and generational diversity - it was a substantial taste of the larger problems that lie beneath the surface of each (and a look into the literature that could be and has been written about them individually).
This book is great for any church leader, planter, or missionary partner who is looking to reorient their heart towards the community & country they’re hoping to reach. I appreciate the conversational tone of the authors, and, although quite academic at times, the book raises a call to action for those in & considering a life of ministry.
Tucker & Koessler tackle some tough topics in this book - and, while they don’t descend into the depths of all of the problems and solutions behind them, they create a growth-oriented dialogue within each, pushing for change and diversity within the church body. I appreciated their thorough-but-brief discussion of racial, gender, and generational diversity - it was a substantial taste of the larger problems that lie beneath the surface of each (and a look into the literature that could be and has been written about them individually).
This book is great for any church leader, planter, or missionary partner who is looking to reorient their heart towards the community & country they’re hoping to reach. I appreciate the conversational tone of the authors, and, although quite academic at times, the book raises a call to action for those in & considering a life of ministry.
September 16, 2018
[Note: This book was provided free of charge by Moody Publishers. All thoughts and opinions are my own.]
When reading a book like this one has to look for an agenda on the part of the author. One does not write a book like this without one, and while at times authors are open and up front about their agendas, at times authors are less than candid. In this case, the authors are at least open about the fact that they wish for churches to be more sensitive and more responsive to individual identities of people, including racial, sexual, and gender identities, while attempting to baptize their view of identity theory in enough scripture to make it passable for those who see the Bible as the ultimate authority. Although I am someone who cares a great deal about identity [1], I find the authors' views about identity politics to be less than persuasive and at times bordering on if not crossing over into what is offensive. At times the authors seem clueless that genuine Christians have always at all times and in all places been sojourners, and not just in our present evil age. Overall, this is a book which has worthwhile insights although the language used to convey those insights is highly technical and sometimes less than helpful in demonstrating the author's credibility as experts.
This book is about 250 pages long and is divided into ten chapters, with the last chapter summing up the book and providing the lessons the authors wished to convey in the previous nine chapters. After an introduction the authors write about our societal identity crisis (1) and urge readers to see themselves in God's mirror (2). The authors use secular culture (3) as a way of providing a mirror into the preoccupations of people outside of the church and as a way of building bridges. After that the author talks about the nature of "in crowds" and the way that our thoughts and perceptions can be distorted by group identity (4) before looking at the multiplicity of identities that believers can carry with them (5) as well as that are present within the church. The authors then spend some time specifically examining issues of race, ethnicity, and identity (6) as well as gender (7) and generational differences (8) before closing with a downbeat discussion of the decline of traditional views of morality in the face of the culture wars of the last few decades (9) before concluding (10).
Unfortunately, this book's insights are hindered by it being written by people who appear to be overschooled and underchurched. The authors clearly want to appeal to a hip audience that treasures the involvement of women and minorities but the authors find themselves in somewhat of an uncanny valley that is likely to offend both sorts of audiences they wish to appeal to. On the one hand, their highly technical and nonbiblical language is likely to offend those who point to the primacy of the Bible in determining questions of identity and who are likely to (rightly) suspect the orthodoxy and orthopraxy of those who spout identity and generational theory as if it was gospel truth. On the other hand, the authors' call for Christians to live as outsiders and sojourners in an increasingly heathen and ungodly culture are likely to offend those who believe that a hip portrayal of the Gospel is all that is necessary to appeal to those who are outside of contemporary Christendom. As this book is neither biblically sound nor couched to appeal to its intended audiences, one wonders whether this is the sort of book that will be read by those losing their biblical faith in the process of spending years at seminary like so many other books of this kind.
[1] See, for example:
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2017...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2014...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2011...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2010...
When reading a book like this one has to look for an agenda on the part of the author. One does not write a book like this without one, and while at times authors are open and up front about their agendas, at times authors are less than candid. In this case, the authors are at least open about the fact that they wish for churches to be more sensitive and more responsive to individual identities of people, including racial, sexual, and gender identities, while attempting to baptize their view of identity theory in enough scripture to make it passable for those who see the Bible as the ultimate authority. Although I am someone who cares a great deal about identity [1], I find the authors' views about identity politics to be less than persuasive and at times bordering on if not crossing over into what is offensive. At times the authors seem clueless that genuine Christians have always at all times and in all places been sojourners, and not just in our present evil age. Overall, this is a book which has worthwhile insights although the language used to convey those insights is highly technical and sometimes less than helpful in demonstrating the author's credibility as experts.
This book is about 250 pages long and is divided into ten chapters, with the last chapter summing up the book and providing the lessons the authors wished to convey in the previous nine chapters. After an introduction the authors write about our societal identity crisis (1) and urge readers to see themselves in God's mirror (2). The authors use secular culture (3) as a way of providing a mirror into the preoccupations of people outside of the church and as a way of building bridges. After that the author talks about the nature of "in crowds" and the way that our thoughts and perceptions can be distorted by group identity (4) before looking at the multiplicity of identities that believers can carry with them (5) as well as that are present within the church. The authors then spend some time specifically examining issues of race, ethnicity, and identity (6) as well as gender (7) and generational differences (8) before closing with a downbeat discussion of the decline of traditional views of morality in the face of the culture wars of the last few decades (9) before concluding (10).
Unfortunately, this book's insights are hindered by it being written by people who appear to be overschooled and underchurched. The authors clearly want to appeal to a hip audience that treasures the involvement of women and minorities but the authors find themselves in somewhat of an uncanny valley that is likely to offend both sorts of audiences they wish to appeal to. On the one hand, their highly technical and nonbiblical language is likely to offend those who point to the primacy of the Bible in determining questions of identity and who are likely to (rightly) suspect the orthodoxy and orthopraxy of those who spout identity and generational theory as if it was gospel truth. On the other hand, the authors' call for Christians to live as outsiders and sojourners in an increasingly heathen and ungodly culture are likely to offend those who believe that a hip portrayal of the Gospel is all that is necessary to appeal to those who are outside of contemporary Christendom. As this book is neither biblically sound nor couched to appeal to its intended audiences, one wonders whether this is the sort of book that will be read by those losing their biblical faith in the process of spending years at seminary like so many other books of this kind.
[1] See, for example:
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2017...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2014...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2011...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2010...
April 26, 2018
We are in need of unity in “the church” in America today. Our society is dealing with many issues that can divide us. These authors use scripture and other great authors' quotes, along with their own wisdom to teach us about ourselves and our identity, which is at the heart of the issue. Tucker and Koessler are exploring more than simple quick fixes, they are pursuing culture change. Be ready to open your mind to new possibilities.
"Three are no simple answers to overcoming the church’s problems with disunity, but the final chapter summarizes nine principles that emerge from the book and proposes four steps that ministry leaders and church members can take to maintain church unity in the context of our continuing and wonderful differences.” p. 11
This is an excellent book on unity in the church, especially useful for pastors and church leaders, but also beneficial to the average church member.
Questions for reflection at the end of each chapter can prompt you to begin thinking about these ideas of identity and culture. facilitate conversation and help you implement the information you are reading into your life and church. Besides personal study, these questions can start healthy discussion for small groups, church staff meetings or Christian book clubs.
There is a glossary in back of book to help define some of the terms used through out the book.
A copy of this book was provided by Moody Publishers for the purpose of review.
"Three are no simple answers to overcoming the church’s problems with disunity, but the final chapter summarizes nine principles that emerge from the book and proposes four steps that ministry leaders and church members can take to maintain church unity in the context of our continuing and wonderful differences.” p. 11
This is an excellent book on unity in the church, especially useful for pastors and church leaders, but also beneficial to the average church member.
Questions for reflection at the end of each chapter can prompt you to begin thinking about these ideas of identity and culture. facilitate conversation and help you implement the information you are reading into your life and church. Besides personal study, these questions can start healthy discussion for small groups, church staff meetings or Christian book clubs.
There is a glossary in back of book to help define some of the terms used through out the book.
A copy of this book was provided by Moody Publishers for the purpose of review.
March 11, 2018
In a generation divided by race, sexuality, age, and culture, Tucker and Kossler take us beyond the typical conversation about unity. Christians should be leading the conversation about the importance and beauty of unity in the midst of diversity. This book is an essential tool in making these conversations happen. In each chapter, the authors challenge their readers to reflect on topics that have been avoided and uncomfortable for the church. Yet, All Together Different offers a fresh perspective for moving forward. This small book is a must read, offering essential tools for Christians to engage and lead in the midst of a broken and divided culture.
September 18, 2018
The book is useful for understanding the importance of the community, while embracing your differences. Children can learn that they have value individuality and in the community as well! I just love this book !
March 22, 2018
I really wanted to like this book. I requested an early copy because the topic of individual identity plus unity really appealed to me from my own growth, church involvement and community involvement. I was really hoping that it would give me practical, Biblical thoughts on how to seek out unity in the face of a cultural identity crisis in our county. But I have to be honest and say I couldn't even finish the book. It was very academic for such an emotionally charged topic. That may be a good thing in a way, but it didn't appeal to me emotionally or intellectually. I ended up skimming through the last half of the book and highlighting the few gems that I could pull out. If you are a church leader or preacher, this may be more your speed. This book just fell a little short for me.
Thanks to my friends at NetGalley.com and Moody Publishers for giving me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Thanks to my friends at NetGalley.com and Moody Publishers for giving me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
May 24, 2019
All Together Different is a very pertinent book about a very pertinent struggle among Christians: living out their common faith while being themselves. In other words, this book addresses the particularly schismatic past and present of the Christian religion and presents an ecumenical approach to its future - all the while respecting the individuality of each and every believer.
Given the number of different denominations and doctrines within the Church today, the work is an impressive attempt to guide the Christian towards coexistence and appreciation of the diversity within the Church. One cannot help but praise Koessler and Tucker for tackling the subject of "unity," especially with the respect and appreciation they show throughout the book. They do not push for a given doctrine or denomination; they do not want the reader to conform to a given set of beliefs for the sake of "unity" in the Church. Instead, they see the diversity of opinions within Christian congregations as a positive and enhancing factor, to be cherished and defended rather than be diminished and stifled by the community and its elders.
The authors claim the identity of every Christian is defined by three things: divine image, sinful disposition and human culture. Every person is created in the image of God, but such image is corrupted by a disposition toward sin. Combined with the impact of society and culture in our lives - especially in our formative years - these peculiar characteristics shape our worldview.
Christians, however, possess a collective identity in the universal body of the Church - and this is where things get tricky for many believers. All Together Different claims the collective identity of the Church helps the Christian address some areas of his/her individual identity, while the Christian's individual identity brings a different perspective and value to the collective Church. Koessler and Tucker recognize the primacy of a Christian's binding commitment to God and His commandments, but they alert for the dangers of attempting to superimpose the collective identity of the Church (or that of a given congregation/denomination) on every dimension of an individual's being.
Much like with the Christian religion, different people who sink their teeth into this work will no doubt focus on different themes and arguments from it, as one may witness from other reviews. In spite of its ecumenical purpose, the complex message of All Together Different could rub some people the wrong way. It's a small price to pay, however, for writing a book capable of hearkening to one of Christianity's forgotten cornerstones: the ability to bind together people from all backgrounds and walks of life. The book as whole is a reminder of just that - a reminder that couldn't come at a better hour to a Church falling ever deeper into internal strife and entropy.
(A copy of this book was provided by NetGalley / Moody Publishers for an honest review. You can read my full analysis of the book here)
Given the number of different denominations and doctrines within the Church today, the work is an impressive attempt to guide the Christian towards coexistence and appreciation of the diversity within the Church. One cannot help but praise Koessler and Tucker for tackling the subject of "unity," especially with the respect and appreciation they show throughout the book. They do not push for a given doctrine or denomination; they do not want the reader to conform to a given set of beliefs for the sake of "unity" in the Church. Instead, they see the diversity of opinions within Christian congregations as a positive and enhancing factor, to be cherished and defended rather than be diminished and stifled by the community and its elders.
The authors claim the identity of every Christian is defined by three things: divine image, sinful disposition and human culture. Every person is created in the image of God, but such image is corrupted by a disposition toward sin. Combined with the impact of society and culture in our lives - especially in our formative years - these peculiar characteristics shape our worldview.
Christians, however, possess a collective identity in the universal body of the Church - and this is where things get tricky for many believers. All Together Different claims the collective identity of the Church helps the Christian address some areas of his/her individual identity, while the Christian's individual identity brings a different perspective and value to the collective Church. Koessler and Tucker recognize the primacy of a Christian's binding commitment to God and His commandments, but they alert for the dangers of attempting to superimpose the collective identity of the Church (or that of a given congregation/denomination) on every dimension of an individual's being.
Much like with the Christian religion, different people who sink their teeth into this work will no doubt focus on different themes and arguments from it, as one may witness from other reviews. In spite of its ecumenical purpose, the complex message of All Together Different could rub some people the wrong way. It's a small price to pay, however, for writing a book capable of hearkening to one of Christianity's forgotten cornerstones: the ability to bind together people from all backgrounds and walks of life. The book as whole is a reminder of just that - a reminder that couldn't come at a better hour to a Church falling ever deeper into internal strife and entropy.
(A copy of this book was provided by NetGalley / Moody Publishers for an honest review. You can read my full analysis of the book here)
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April 16, 2018Unity is a buzzword in our culture today. Culture tends to promote unity, decry anything as foul that brings disunity, and desire uniqueness yet sameness simultaneously. It feels contradictory and is difficult to actually live out. There is a deep tension felt because even as we desire unity and sameness, we are increasingly individualistic as a society. We must understand that “Different is good. Our foundational differences have their origin in God’s design…both our differences and our unity are gifts from God” (All Together Different, pp. 232, 241).
At the core of this tension of unity, diversity, uniqueness, sameness, is identity. Identity is something that doesn’t get talked about much in the regular, day-to-day life we experience, but it is what we draw from in order to make decisions every day. Our identity, who we are, is inextricably intertwined with what we do.
All Together Different, by J. Brian Tucker & John Koessler, is a step in the right direction for pastors from all denominations, races, and cultural contexts understanding the power of identity, unity, and diversity. Why? I think this quote accurately sums up the reality we face as pastors, and the reality of what it is to shepherd a congregation in 2018: “We believe that being in Christ must consistently be in the top position in the [identity] hierarchy in order to inform and direct different identity performances… pay attention to the circumstances or the various aspects of the person that might be contributing to the formation or deformation of their Christian identity.” (p. 72).
The truth is, we either grow to become more like Christ or less like Christ, depending on what kind of core identity we live out. Though I have the identities of father, husband, son, friend, pastor, church member, man, none of these should be the only identity I live out. At different times I live out different aspects of my identity, which is the identity hierarchy the authors mention. However, if I choose to live out of one identity over and above my identity as being in Christ, something will go wrong. We see this kind of thing every day, and (too often) experience it in our own lives.
The world we live in carries so many distinctions and labels of people it quickly becomes impossible to catch up. However, as important as aspects of identity are (such as family background, ethnicity, country of origin, occupation), these have been reprioritized for the follower of Christ. How can we actually live all together different? You’ll have to read the book to find out!
The short answer is we can only live all together different through the power of the Holy Spirit and the grace of God. That is most clearly seen when reprioritize our identities and realize that every identity marker is second to that of our master identity of being in Christ.
At the core of this tension of unity, diversity, uniqueness, sameness, is identity. Identity is something that doesn’t get talked about much in the regular, day-to-day life we experience, but it is what we draw from in order to make decisions every day. Our identity, who we are, is inextricably intertwined with what we do.
All Together Different, by J. Brian Tucker & John Koessler, is a step in the right direction for pastors from all denominations, races, and cultural contexts understanding the power of identity, unity, and diversity. Why? I think this quote accurately sums up the reality we face as pastors, and the reality of what it is to shepherd a congregation in 2018: “We believe that being in Christ must consistently be in the top position in the [identity] hierarchy in order to inform and direct different identity performances… pay attention to the circumstances or the various aspects of the person that might be contributing to the formation or deformation of their Christian identity.” (p. 72).
The truth is, we either grow to become more like Christ or less like Christ, depending on what kind of core identity we live out. Though I have the identities of father, husband, son, friend, pastor, church member, man, none of these should be the only identity I live out. At different times I live out different aspects of my identity, which is the identity hierarchy the authors mention. However, if I choose to live out of one identity over and above my identity as being in Christ, something will go wrong. We see this kind of thing every day, and (too often) experience it in our own lives.
The world we live in carries so many distinctions and labels of people it quickly becomes impossible to catch up. However, as important as aspects of identity are (such as family background, ethnicity, country of origin, occupation), these have been reprioritized for the follower of Christ. How can we actually live all together different? You’ll have to read the book to find out!
The short answer is we can only live all together different through the power of the Holy Spirit and the grace of God. That is most clearly seen when reprioritize our identities and realize that every identity marker is second to that of our master identity of being in Christ.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews