A House United: How the Church Can Save the World

by Allen Hilton

By entering the culture wars, churchgoers in the United States have ushered the Left and the Right to even greater extremes. Battles over moral issues like abortion rights and homosexuality have now widened to include taxation and size of government, so that specific church affiliation has become an accurate predictor of political party affiliation. The extremists in American politics rely on Christians to be the engine that pushes the culture farther right or left. Allen Hilton believes that religion isn't inherently divisive, and he suggests a new role for Christianity. Jesus prayed that his disciples might all be one, and this book imagines a proper answer to that prayer in the context of American polarization. Rather than asking people to leave their political and theological beliefs at the church door, Hilton promotes a Christianity that brings people together with their differences. Through God's transforming work, he writes, we can create a house united that will help our nation come back together.

227 pages, Paperback

Published April 1, 2018

Reviews

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I just finished this book by Dr. Allen Hilton after he visited our church earlier this month. I am fairly familiar with Hilton and his work, and this book is a pretty good representation of that.

The idea behind House United is that we as Christians are letting our political attitudes and ideologies get in the way of us being Church. Like really, good, united in the way Christ intended Church. For the most part, I see the ideas set forth in this book as being generally good ones that would help...in a perfect world.

But we don't live in a perfect world, do we?

In some places, there were generalizations made that I thought were pretty inaccurate. For example, I attend a progressive church that has plenty of folks with big, fat, annotated bibles under their arms several times a week for bible study. I attend a progressive church in a RED state. So. Very. Red. So, to act as though the problem with how progressives see conservatives is that we really don't know any - I say HA! I wish!

For those of us blue dots in red seas, the very people who aren't getting along aren't imaginary conservatives. It's our parents, our brothers, sisters, employers, and co-workers. It's everybody. If I say something along the lines of, "conservatives say......", it's because I've heard it. Out of their own mouths.

In other places, I saw some gaping holes. Like - where do Catholics fit in this picture? Should the subtitle have been :How Protestants Can Save the World? Because, the diocese I grew up and the one I live in now are both radically conservative. Like, disagree with that crazy liberal Pope because he's a hippie Jesuit conservative. But also disagree with conservative Protestants because, you know, they aren't Catholic. And among them is....our Governor. What do you do with that? He's politicized Catholic view points in a way that is totally just accepted. It's weird, and gross, and I don't see much House Uniting going on around here.

That having been said - there are some baby steps set forward that I think might be interesting. Courageous Conversations seem like a good idea (if safety for all people can be assured). Mission meet-ups partnering differently aligned churches in the field sounds fantastic (if safety for all people can be assured). I guess what I worry about, though, is that some of the radical ideologies floating around in our time do not guarantee safety for all people. Especially not marginalized populations. Especially not now.

Does that make this book a moot point? Not at all. Does that make this book a great jumping off point for people who truly desire change in their communities? I certainly think so. I look forward to seeing the impact this book may have on those who are reading it looking to make a positive change in our world.

[Kelly Brill · Rating 4 out of 5]

In a letter published in the New York Times Book Review on April 1, 2018, a Brian Zack of Princeton NJ writes, “…Our politics and our polity will only be rescued when we all stop assuming that those who disagree with us are stupid, ignorant and/or immoral. We must leave the bitterness behind and come together with mutual respect, seeking understanding and ready to compromise. It is already too late.”

I believe Allen Hilton would agree with Brian Zack. A House United is a plea, to the church (and by extension to citizenry) to move away from polarization and move towards those with whom we disagree. Not for the purpose of making nice, but because we can learn from each other: "What if there are things a liberal doesn't know that a conservative just gets? What if a progressive could bring just the right challenge to a theologically traditional assumption?"

I write this review the day after the Supreme Court decision on the Colorado wedding cake case. It's a complex case and decision, but it brings to mind the many other incidents of discrimination with which our LGBTQ brothers and sisters live. How does one propose taking a step towards a conservative today, knowing that such a step could cause pain, could sting a fresh wound, making it seem as if ending polarization is more important than advocating towards rights for all? It's a minefield, and I am stepping delicately, appreciating the guidance this book has to offer.

Among the gifts of this book are the poignant and powerful illustrations of times when members of conservative, evangelical churches and members of progressive churches have come together.

I agree with Allen that there is a role in American society today for "big tent churches": "It's time to challenge our culture's unproven and unconsidered assumption that flocking with birds of our own feather produces flourishing lives, individually and nationally."

[Jerrid Kruse · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book discusses the divisions within Christianity, the problems these cause, and proposes we do something about these divisions. The book notes how early Christians leaned into instead of away from conflict following the rabbinical traditions. The book does provide some examples of churches not letting differences divide them or cause them to lack compassion for those with whom they disagree. There are also some suggestions for individuals to get outside of their echo chamber, but nothing surprising. This is perhaps the place where the book could be improved: providing more practical advice on how to navigate and lean into the divisions. The book sets up the motivation and need, but leaves the how a bit open-ended. Perhaps that is the nature of the beast though.

[Emily R ATX · Rating 5 out of 5]

Religion aside, I think everyone in America should read this book. At a time when people are continually dividing themselves, Hilton’s book shows and proves why differences make us stronger and smarter in our friendships, families, communities and as a nation. He uses personal, professional and 3rd party examples of how we can talk through tough topics together, and come out feeling better rounded and rejuvenated. He reminds us that the good in people is worth seeking. And then he also talks about how the church can be a space for this transformative movement. Highly recommend.

[Janis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting and well-written. The author believes the 4th tenet of mission of today's church beyond evangelism, service, and advocacy, should be Unity. Hilton is concerned about the national polarization and this is his (Biblical) solution, his how-to for today's Christians who see the crisis and want to do something about it.

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

decent primer and probably the first book to read before any denominational conference or if you're in the separatist camp. My only regret is it didn't go deep enough and I recognize that is mostly my expectation and probably not a wise decision for a beginning step.