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Not From Around Here: What Unites Us, What Divides Us, and How We Can Move Forward
Tidy categories may suit the media, but people are more complex up close.
News outlets, historians, and sociologists can (and do) tell us all about the statistics, but they don’t (and can’t) tell us about what it’s really like in a given place—how the squish of creek water between your toes or the crunch of autumn leaves on a city sidewalk shape your sense of normal and good and right. To understand that—to understand the people in the places—we need stories. We need to listen, get to know the nuance of people, and have empathy for their way of seeing things.
Brandon O’Brien is, in many ways, a man torn between places. Raised in the rural South, educated in the suburbs, and now living and doing ministry in Manhattan, he’s seen these places, and their complexity, up close. With the knack of a natural storyteller, he shares what he learned about himself, faith, and the people who make up America on his own journey through it.
News outlets, historians, and sociologists can (and do) tell us all about the statistics, but they don’t (and can’t) tell us about what it’s really like in a given place—how the squish of creek water between your toes or the crunch of autumn leaves on a city sidewalk shape your sense of normal and good and right. To understand that—to understand the people in the places—we need stories. We need to listen, get to know the nuance of people, and have empathy for their way of seeing things.
Brandon O’Brien is, in many ways, a man torn between places. Raised in the rural South, educated in the suburbs, and now living and doing ministry in Manhattan, he’s seen these places, and their complexity, up close. With the knack of a natural storyteller, he shares what he learned about himself, faith, and the people who make up America on his own journey through it.
208 pages, Paperback
Published October 1, 2019
5 people are currently reading
118 people want to read
About the author
Brandon J. O'Brien
9 books17 followersBrandon J. O'Brien (PhD, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School) is director of content and distribution for Redeemer City to City in Manhattan. He is coauthor, with E. Randolph Richards, of Misreading Scripture with Western Eyes and Paul Behaving Badly, as well as the author of The Strategically Small Church.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
April 24, 2020
Dear American Christian, read this book. You will gain important perspective if you do. If you live in the country, city, or suburbia, you will better understand the strengths/weaknesses of Christ followers as well as non-Christ followers who live outside of your living existence.
October 2, 2020
Great book! Thoughtful and convicting.
May 7, 2020
I do not often read a book twice before reviewing it, but I did this one. The title is a little misleading. NOT FROM HERE: WHAT UNITES US, WHAT DIVIDES US, AND HOW WE CAN MOVE FORWARD, lead me to think it was going to be a book about the clash of cultures in today’s America. It is that, but not really. It is more Brandon J. O’Brien’s memoir of being born and raised in rural northwestern Arkansas, attending graduate school in suburban Chicagoland, and finally settling in Manhattan, the most densely populated of the five boroughs of New York City. O’Brien’s life experience has enabled him to understand that most obvious cultural division in America, the urban/rural divide.
Americans traditionally characterize their world as being composed of two very distinct cultures, rural and urban, a false dichotomy that overlooks the fact that most Americans live in what are called the suburbs. This skewed picture of America can be seen in literature, television sitcoms, and advertising. It is a staple in political campaigns, when politicians promote the notion of a cultural war between “the America of the heartland [which] stands for traditional values and faith and neighborliness and the America of the coasts [which] stands for progressive (probably European) values and secularism and greed” (p. 14). Politicians in particular encourage this false dichotomy while at the same time insisting that Americans are all, or mostly all, members of the so-called middle class.
Rural Americans are pictured by their urban counterparts as unsophisticated, naive, poorly educated, lacking in social skills, and provincial to the extreme. Rural Americans in turn characterize urbanites as lost souls in search of true happiness and meaning for their lives that ultimately can only be found in the idyllic world of small towns and green pastures. O’Brien, who is a Christian writing for a Christian audience, wants to point out that Christians carry these characterizations over into the church. Where there should be unity within the Body of Christ, there is a culturally imposed diversity that hampers the mission of the Church and hinders true fellowship and joy within the family.
The truth is that we Christians are shaped in part by the cultural environment into which we are born and live. Being “born again” saves us from the burden of guilt we inherited as children of Adam and Eve, but it does not instantaneously change our personalities. We are products of our environment—geographic, cultural, social, economic, and so much more. There are aspects of our “B.C.” personality that will change for the better only through conscious and persistent effort.
Brandon O’Brien reflects on the cultural shock he experienced moving to suburban Chicagoland from northwestern Arkansas. He experienced the clash of Christian fundamentalism, a state of mind rather than a theology, and the more academically influenced evangelicalism. Later he moved his family to Manhattan where the cultural environment was largely secularized. Back in rural America the fundamentalist response to the influence of modern culture was “resistance and withdrawal.” In Manhattan the cultural war was already over when the O’Briens arrived, and the Christians had lost.
An important message that O’Brien wants to get across to his readers is that if Christians want to be salt and light in this postmodern world, if we want to, as our Lord has commanded us, witness to the Gospel in a hostile cultural world, we must not withdraw from the world. We must not expend our energy in pointless battles that cannot be won, and should not be fought. We must look to and learn from our extended family around the world living in culturally hostile environments. We must accept the reality that we do not live in one of those gilded ages of church history when the hills, valleys, and cities were alive with great revivals. We must acknowledge that much of what we identify as biblical Christianity is only excess Western cultural baggage. Secularization of culture has been a blessing in disguise for the preaching of the Gospel. As the late Francis Schaeffer taught, we must meet the lost where they are at. We must present the unaltered, simple good news that the tomb is empty. “He has risen; He has risen indeed!”
I think that NOT FROM AROUND HERE is an appropriate title for this book. We Christians are only temporary residents wherever we find ourselves in this world. We are only passing through, called like the disciples on the road to Emmaus, to tell others of what we have seen and heard.
Americans traditionally characterize their world as being composed of two very distinct cultures, rural and urban, a false dichotomy that overlooks the fact that most Americans live in what are called the suburbs. This skewed picture of America can be seen in literature, television sitcoms, and advertising. It is a staple in political campaigns, when politicians promote the notion of a cultural war between “the America of the heartland [which] stands for traditional values and faith and neighborliness and the America of the coasts [which] stands for progressive (probably European) values and secularism and greed” (p. 14). Politicians in particular encourage this false dichotomy while at the same time insisting that Americans are all, or mostly all, members of the so-called middle class.
Rural Americans are pictured by their urban counterparts as unsophisticated, naive, poorly educated, lacking in social skills, and provincial to the extreme. Rural Americans in turn characterize urbanites as lost souls in search of true happiness and meaning for their lives that ultimately can only be found in the idyllic world of small towns and green pastures. O’Brien, who is a Christian writing for a Christian audience, wants to point out that Christians carry these characterizations over into the church. Where there should be unity within the Body of Christ, there is a culturally imposed diversity that hampers the mission of the Church and hinders true fellowship and joy within the family.
The truth is that we Christians are shaped in part by the cultural environment into which we are born and live. Being “born again” saves us from the burden of guilt we inherited as children of Adam and Eve, but it does not instantaneously change our personalities. We are products of our environment—geographic, cultural, social, economic, and so much more. There are aspects of our “B.C.” personality that will change for the better only through conscious and persistent effort.
Brandon O’Brien reflects on the cultural shock he experienced moving to suburban Chicagoland from northwestern Arkansas. He experienced the clash of Christian fundamentalism, a state of mind rather than a theology, and the more academically influenced evangelicalism. Later he moved his family to Manhattan where the cultural environment was largely secularized. Back in rural America the fundamentalist response to the influence of modern culture was “resistance and withdrawal.” In Manhattan the cultural war was already over when the O’Briens arrived, and the Christians had lost.
An important message that O’Brien wants to get across to his readers is that if Christians want to be salt and light in this postmodern world, if we want to, as our Lord has commanded us, witness to the Gospel in a hostile cultural world, we must not withdraw from the world. We must not expend our energy in pointless battles that cannot be won, and should not be fought. We must look to and learn from our extended family around the world living in culturally hostile environments. We must accept the reality that we do not live in one of those gilded ages of church history when the hills, valleys, and cities were alive with great revivals. We must acknowledge that much of what we identify as biblical Christianity is only excess Western cultural baggage. Secularization of culture has been a blessing in disguise for the preaching of the Gospel. As the late Francis Schaeffer taught, we must meet the lost where they are at. We must present the unaltered, simple good news that the tomb is empty. “He has risen; He has risen indeed!”
I think that NOT FROM AROUND HERE is an appropriate title for this book. We Christians are only temporary residents wherever we find ourselves in this world. We are only passing through, called like the disciples on the road to Emmaus, to tell others of what we have seen and heard.
October 5, 2019
"Seeing things from someone else's point of view is ultimately an act of repentance. It requires admitting that I didn't see things completely before, and now I see them more clearly." Chapter 11
It is rare that I finish a book and find myself thinking, "Everyone needs to read this." My family, my friends, that guy across the street...
It is also rare that I read a book that gives me not only a reflection of my own issues, but a way to start working through them. In "Not From Around Here," Brandon O'Brien helps me want to change the way I view people with whom I disagree, or maybe just imagine I'll disagree. He does so with a mix of honesty and kindness through excellently woven stories from his own life, lived across the spectrum of American communities: the rural and small-town South, suburban Chicago, and urban Manhattan.
"The work this book will ask you to do won't be easy." (p. 30) The fact is, as a person torn between the small-town world I couldn't wait to flee and the mega-city I reluctantly had to leave behind, I'm a person who feels acutely on a daily basis that I am 'not from around here.' So I appreciate the author's ability to describe ALL the communities that have shaped me, and the people therein, with honest respect and affection. I was challenged by Chapter 7's discussion of the "single story," how we believe stereotypes too willingly-and to our detriment. He holds up a 3x-magnified mirror (chapter 11) so I can see my own self-righteousness and lays out a path to repentance through personal reflection and prayer for those I see as not like me. And I agree with his conclusion that it is the Church that must lead out in humbly crossing these media-driven, geographic and socio-economic divides.
I plan on passing "Not From Around Here" on to others in my faith community as we pursue ministry in a very divided small-town.
More quotes that connected with me:
"The media...often paints the picture that rural white people and urban minorities are the two least similar populations in America. My experience is very much the opposite...I see a lot of common ground between these groups and a lot of parties with a vested interest in keeping them divided."~Chapter 8
"If [urban and rural] pastors can recognize their common cause in ministry, then Christians everywhere can recognize their common cause in living out their faith, wherever they live." Chapter 9
"For those of us living somewhere we didn't grow up, our new place doesn't so much change us as it reveals what's always been there but kept hidden." Chapter 11
It is rare that I finish a book and find myself thinking, "Everyone needs to read this." My family, my friends, that guy across the street...
It is also rare that I read a book that gives me not only a reflection of my own issues, but a way to start working through them. In "Not From Around Here," Brandon O'Brien helps me want to change the way I view people with whom I disagree, or maybe just imagine I'll disagree. He does so with a mix of honesty and kindness through excellently woven stories from his own life, lived across the spectrum of American communities: the rural and small-town South, suburban Chicago, and urban Manhattan.
"The work this book will ask you to do won't be easy." (p. 30) The fact is, as a person torn between the small-town world I couldn't wait to flee and the mega-city I reluctantly had to leave behind, I'm a person who feels acutely on a daily basis that I am 'not from around here.' So I appreciate the author's ability to describe ALL the communities that have shaped me, and the people therein, with honest respect and affection. I was challenged by Chapter 7's discussion of the "single story," how we believe stereotypes too willingly-and to our detriment. He holds up a 3x-magnified mirror (chapter 11) so I can see my own self-righteousness and lays out a path to repentance through personal reflection and prayer for those I see as not like me. And I agree with his conclusion that it is the Church that must lead out in humbly crossing these media-driven, geographic and socio-economic divides.
I plan on passing "Not From Around Here" on to others in my faith community as we pursue ministry in a very divided small-town.
More quotes that connected with me:
"The media...often paints the picture that rural white people and urban minorities are the two least similar populations in America. My experience is very much the opposite...I see a lot of common ground between these groups and a lot of parties with a vested interest in keeping them divided."~Chapter 8
"If [urban and rural] pastors can recognize their common cause in ministry, then Christians everywhere can recognize their common cause in living out their faith, wherever they live." Chapter 9
"For those of us living somewhere we didn't grow up, our new place doesn't so much change us as it reveals what's always been there but kept hidden." Chapter 11
October 1, 2019
O'Brien wrote this book to help people who claim to find their identity in Christ relate to one another, even if they are radically divided in their political, moral, racial, or other viewpoints.
He does this by telling his own story which is the majority of the book. He gives some facts and figures but concentrates on his own story hoping it will help readers understand rural and urban areas. He grew up in Bentonville, Arkansas (a dry county). He studied and worked in suburban Wheaton, Illinois (where Christians served beer and wine at every gathering). He is now in Manhatten. While I appreciate learning the best way to catch crawfish and the right way to board a Manhatten bus, I would have preferred stories from a variety of people, not just O'Brien.
O'Brien ultimately has good suggestions, even if it does take him a while to get to them. We should learn from each other, having intentional conversations leading toward seeing life from another person's point of view, he says. We need to remember the sinful nature of man and recognize our own bent to perceive people the way we want to. As Christians we are to be quick to repent for our wrong perceptions.
Dwelling in unity is a nice idea, O'Brien says, but is really hard work. (156) It is only through God's grace and our sacrifice, discomfort and humility it will happen. He suggests the spiritual practice of The Daily Examen as a good place to start and then prayer.
This is a good book for readers who like teaching in the context of story, O'Brien's story. I would have liked a variety of stories rather than an emphasis on his own. I did appreciate his admonition to readers in the end. If the Christian church in America wants to bear witness to the kingdom of God, we have to figure out how to have our identity in Christ be the foundation for our lives. All other identities, whether political or geographical or ethnic, must be secondary.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
He does this by telling his own story which is the majority of the book. He gives some facts and figures but concentrates on his own story hoping it will help readers understand rural and urban areas. He grew up in Bentonville, Arkansas (a dry county). He studied and worked in suburban Wheaton, Illinois (where Christians served beer and wine at every gathering). He is now in Manhatten. While I appreciate learning the best way to catch crawfish and the right way to board a Manhatten bus, I would have preferred stories from a variety of people, not just O'Brien.
O'Brien ultimately has good suggestions, even if it does take him a while to get to them. We should learn from each other, having intentional conversations leading toward seeing life from another person's point of view, he says. We need to remember the sinful nature of man and recognize our own bent to perceive people the way we want to. As Christians we are to be quick to repent for our wrong perceptions.
Dwelling in unity is a nice idea, O'Brien says, but is really hard work. (156) It is only through God's grace and our sacrifice, discomfort and humility it will happen. He suggests the spiritual practice of The Daily Examen as a good place to start and then prayer.
This is a good book for readers who like teaching in the context of story, O'Brien's story. I would have liked a variety of stories rather than an emphasis on his own. I did appreciate his admonition to readers in the end. If the Christian church in America wants to bear witness to the kingdom of God, we have to figure out how to have our identity in Christ be the foundation for our lives. All other identities, whether political or geographical or ethnic, must be secondary.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
October 9, 2019
As someone who moved from the east coast to the south to the mid-west and back to the south, there's a lot I have in common with Brandon. But there's a whole lot different in our stories as well. I didn't experience the rural life he did, and I haven't lived in a large city like he does now.
Brandon largely tells of his own story of a Christian journeying through his faith and different regions of the U.S. He's aware of his story's limitations (pg 149) but also the potential growth that comes from sharing it . He has an appreciation and love for each place he's lived: small town, rural, suburban, small city, urban.
I identified with the small town and suburban stories, but actually enjoyed the urban ones the most, because they were different for me. I suspect that readers will benefit most from the stories about the area of the U.S. that they know the least.
Besides his own stories, there are other sections like Chapter 7 "Learning to Tell the Whole Truth," which is a wonderfully brief critique of regional stereotypes connected to the work of Chimamanda Adichie. And the last few chapters provide some practical ways forward for finding unity and grace in our diverse country. This book will be helpful for Christians who want their primary identity to be in Christ, neither divorced from or dependent on their regional heritage.
It clocks in at 186 pages before the endnotes. And the "About the Author" section on Goodreads has the incorrect person connected to this book (as of 10/8/19).
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher.
Brandon largely tells of his own story of a Christian journeying through his faith and different regions of the U.S. He's aware of his story's limitations (pg 149) but also the potential growth that comes from sharing it . He has an appreciation and love for each place he's lived: small town, rural, suburban, small city, urban.
I identified with the small town and suburban stories, but actually enjoyed the urban ones the most, because they were different for me. I suspect that readers will benefit most from the stories about the area of the U.S. that they know the least.
Besides his own stories, there are other sections like Chapter 7 "Learning to Tell the Whole Truth," which is a wonderfully brief critique of regional stereotypes connected to the work of Chimamanda Adichie. And the last few chapters provide some practical ways forward for finding unity and grace in our diverse country. This book will be helpful for Christians who want their primary identity to be in Christ, neither divorced from or dependent on their regional heritage.
It clocks in at 186 pages before the endnotes. And the "About the Author" section on Goodreads has the incorrect person connected to this book (as of 10/8/19).
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher.
September 18, 2020
I just fell into this book by happenstance. Man am I glad I did! It talks about our deeply held, always overlooked ability to normalize “us”, while overwhelmingly subscribing to the villainy and “otherness” of others. We all have these caricatures of people we aren’t. And this is fed, not primarily by experiencing these people, but by reading about them, or seeing how they’re represented by those we listen to and trust. (Big secret: those are almost always people just like us! = not a helpful/reliable narrator (though the “information” they’re peddling is the most palatable)).
O’Brien talks about his extensive time growing up in rural Arkansas, (a prime target for my bias) how it shaped him before moving to the suburbs of Chicagoland, and eventually moving to Manhattan. In each of these places what he found were wonderful, helpful, neighborly, caring, broken, sick, self-centered, people who are judgmental of the “other.” When only 20% of people move beyond an hour or two of where they grew up, how can these ruts of thought not just grow deeper and deeper? As Christians, or as the Church, how do we respond to this growing chasm built on phantasms?
It’s a short little guy, but if you’re a church person, planter person, someone annoyed by discord... it’s worth the 6 ish hours to check this one out...
O’Brien talks about his extensive time growing up in rural Arkansas, (a prime target for my bias) how it shaped him before moving to the suburbs of Chicagoland, and eventually moving to Manhattan. In each of these places what he found were wonderful, helpful, neighborly, caring, broken, sick, self-centered, people who are judgmental of the “other.” When only 20% of people move beyond an hour or two of where they grew up, how can these ruts of thought not just grow deeper and deeper? As Christians, or as the Church, how do we respond to this growing chasm built on phantasms?
It’s a short little guy, but if you’re a church person, planter person, someone annoyed by discord... it’s worth the 6 ish hours to check this one out...
October 15, 2019
Insightful, well written, witty at times, some good practical applications. An important topic and one that can easily be applied not just to contexts within American culture but globally as well. As a third culture kid, I perceive as important the authors encouragement to stay true to Christ and his values rather than submitting to the cultural pressures of place or space. This book helps highlight and identify damaging views or beliefs that are dictated by culture rather than by Christ, and has served as a source of enlightenment in some areas of thought for me. The importance of spending time in conversation with people of differing opinions is a challenge I agree is SO important, and often a lost art in today's culture where exchanges are less conversation and more confrontation.
I found the phenomenon that the author mentions, of finding similar root causes beneath surficially different/unrelated pastoral problems, interesting. Definitely an eye opening form of encouragement to dig deeper into the stories of people with whom at first we may seem to be on opposite ends of the spectrum with.
A thought provoking read.
I found the phenomenon that the author mentions, of finding similar root causes beneath surficially different/unrelated pastoral problems, interesting. Definitely an eye opening form of encouragement to dig deeper into the stories of people with whom at first we may seem to be on opposite ends of the spectrum with.
A thought provoking read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 8, 2020
When I got this book, I had not realized this is from a Christian perspective. What I immediately found interesting, and I should not have been surprised, is how divided even Christians are these days. Dr. O'Brien believes this is a due to the perceptions people have, primarily from the media, of other regional areas such as rural, suburban, and urban. He has transcended this by being from a rural area around Bella Vista and Bentonville, Arkansas; spending summers with his grandparents in rural Louisiana; living in Wheaton, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago; and finally moving to Manhattan. His solution in addition to suggested scriptural readings and practices is to go out and experience life first hand as there is more that unites us than divides us. I think that's a good solution for those who can travel although I suspect the perspective is different actually moving someplace versus being a tourist. His personal story is interesting but it's only one person's story and offers no real solution.
January 12, 2022
I grew up in the country—20 minutes from the nearest small town. I still live about 20 miles from where I grew up. As I have aged, this county of my youth has become more and more suburban. It is a bed room community of Washington DC, and I’d call my overall life experience suburban. Although this book was published in 2019, that feels a world away. I think I would have experienced this book so much differently then and wonder at what the same author thinks now. Those divisions he talks about have gotten even worse to the point where some Christians are attacking democracy and saying there shouldn’t be freedom of religion here. While I agree that we need to see our connection in Christ rather than other differences, at this point it feels like some people are talking about an entirely different Christianity. To be clear, I really liked this book and found it valuable. It made me want to travel more and to expose my kids to more cultures, even in our own country. Maybe I’ll finally take my daughter on that trip to New York she’s been wanting!
October 3, 2019
An insightful look at the influence our backgrounds (where we're from) can have on how we relate to one another, especially our brothers and sisters in Christ. A highly relevant book, difficult to put down, written by a gifted storyteller.
I've come away challenged to consider how my experiences and perceptions could work like blinders when it comes to interacting with and even judging others. May I strive to know and be known. May I show others the grace I would like to be shown.
“The problem with stereotypes is not that they are untrue, but that they are incomplete. They make one
story become the only story.” - Chimamanda Adichie
"Seeing things from someone else’s point of view is harder than it sounds. For one, it doesn’t happen by accident. You have to do it on purpose. But it can start with efforts as small as intentional conversations, and the results can be beautiful." - Brandon O'Brien
I've come away challenged to consider how my experiences and perceptions could work like blinders when it comes to interacting with and even judging others. May I strive to know and be known. May I show others the grace I would like to be shown.
“The problem with stereotypes is not that they are untrue, but that they are incomplete. They make one
story become the only story.” - Chimamanda Adichie
"Seeing things from someone else’s point of view is harder than it sounds. For one, it doesn’t happen by accident. You have to do it on purpose. But it can start with efforts as small as intentional conversations, and the results can be beautiful." - Brandon O'Brien
October 9, 2019
"We live in a historic moment in which Christians across America are divided by regional values rather than being united by Christian values." -Brandon J. O'Brien
The author describes his experiences in different places he has lived, from childhood through adulthood. From rural, to suburban, to urban, each area seems to come with its own values, faults, and stereotypes. Along with the media, where we live seems to play a heavy role in how we view other areas of the country, whether we have actually been there or not. From "hillbilly" rural areas, to "crime riddled" urban areas, to "uppity" suburban areas, could it be that we are actually more alike than we realize?
"No matter how profound an influence your place of origin may have on you, it doesn't have to determine your future."
-Brandon J O'Brien
The author describes his experiences in different places he has lived, from childhood through adulthood. From rural, to suburban, to urban, each area seems to come with its own values, faults, and stereotypes. Along with the media, where we live seems to play a heavy role in how we view other areas of the country, whether we have actually been there or not. From "hillbilly" rural areas, to "crime riddled" urban areas, to "uppity" suburban areas, could it be that we are actually more alike than we realize?
"No matter how profound an influence your place of origin may have on you, it doesn't have to determine your future."
-Brandon J O'Brien
November 5, 2019
This is the book we need right now. As we grow more polarized, more entrenched, more hostile, this is the kind of book we need to keep us grounded, help us find commonality, and develop community and real relationship with those who are different than us.
The subtitle of the book sums it up nicely: What Unites Us, What Divides Us, and How We Can Move Forward. This book doesn't just bemoan the issues but points toward resolution and restoration. It was encouraging to read this book and I would encourage many to read this book and seek reconciliation with those who are different.
Whether someone votes differently, has different religious beliefs, looks different, lives in a different place than you, they are still a person with value and worth, loved by God and ought to be loved by you. This book is a step in the right direction. Thank you, Brandon J. O'Brien for this resource.
The subtitle of the book sums it up nicely: What Unites Us, What Divides Us, and How We Can Move Forward. This book doesn't just bemoan the issues but points toward resolution and restoration. It was encouraging to read this book and I would encourage many to read this book and seek reconciliation with those who are different.
Whether someone votes differently, has different religious beliefs, looks different, lives in a different place than you, they are still a person with value and worth, loved by God and ought to be loved by you. This book is a step in the right direction. Thank you, Brandon J. O'Brien for this resource.
May 6, 2020
Am I a Christian first and a woman/suburbanite/independent voter/etc second or the other way around? That is one question that has been on my mind on and off for years and a subject that is touched on in this book. Brandon O'Brien writes of his own personal history with understanding and forming community with those who he grew up thinking were not to be trusted. I highly recommend this book. You will see yourself in its pages and hopefully take into consideration what we ALL need to do to foster community and acceptance of one another in love.
November 25, 2019
This book was a good read, but it probably would have been better to have been published as an article, rather than a book. The book is 186 pages; on page 184 he asks, "So what do we do about it?" I'd been waiting for that line for a good while.
2 things I appreciated:
- "the daily examen"
- a closer look at Psalm 122
2 things I appreciated:
- "the daily examen"
- a closer look at Psalm 122
May 27, 2019
I received an arc of this book from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Yes, the place we live shapes us, but I think the book could have been a little shorter and still said everything it needed to say.
Yes, the place we live shapes us, but I think the book could have been a little shorter and still said everything it needed to say.
October 3, 2019
Thought-provoking and lovely to read!
October 26, 2019
An insightful and personal take on the current divisions in the American church and a positive way forward through prayer and inward transformation by the Holy Spirit
July 4, 2020
Profound in its simplicity; accessible, and yet convicting and incredibly timely.
September 11, 2021
Nice, pleasant book. Made an important point. Enjoyable stories. Easy to read.
December 18, 2019
I am enjoying the personal stories from the author. His writing is like a conversation with a friend. I'm enjoying thinking about different perspectives based on each person's cultural background.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews