The Church of Us vs. Them: Freedom from a Faith That Feeds on Making Enemies

by David E. Fitch

We are living in angry times. No matter where we go, what we watch, or how we communicate, our culture is rife with conflict. Unfortunately, Christians appear to be caught up in the same animosity as the culture at large. We are perceived as angry, judgmental, and defensive, fighting among ourselves in various media while the world looks on. How have we failed to be a people of reconciliation and renewal in the face of such tumult?Claiming that the church has lost itself in the grip of an antagonistic culture, David Fitch takes a close look at what drives the vitriol in our congregations. He traces the enemy-making patterns in church history and diagnoses the divisiveness that marks the contemporary evangelical church. Fitch shows a way for the church to be true to itself, unwinding the antagonisms of our day and making space for Christ's reconciling presence in our day-to-day lives. He offers new patterns and practices that move the church beyond making enemies to being the presence of Christ in the world, helping us free ourselves from a faith that feeds on division.

Genres: Theology, Christian Living, Christianity, Nonfiction, Christian, Politics, Religion

212 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 16, 2019

About the author

David Fitch is B. R. Lindner Chair of Evangelical Theology at Northern Seminary Chicago, IL. He's married to Rae Ann and they have one child, a son Max. He's pastored and participated in many church plants including Life on the Vine Christian Community a missional church in the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago of the Christian and Missionary Alliance. Most recently he and his family have joined Peace of Christ Church, Westmont, a church planted from Life on the Vine.

He writes on the issues the local church must face in Mission including cultural engagement, leadership and theology. His theology combines Neo-Anabaptist streams of thought, his commitments to evangelicalism and his love for political theory. He has lectured and presented on these topics at many seminaries, graduate schools, denominational gatherings and conferences. Dr. Fitch is the author of numerous articles in places like Christianity Today, The Other Journal, Missiology Evangelical Missions Quarterly, as well as academic journals. He has been featured in places like OutReach Magazine, Anabaptist Witness, Homebrewed Christianity.

He is the author of The End of Evangelicalism? Discerning a New Faithfulness for Mission (Cascade Books, 2011), The Great Giveaway: Reclaiming the Mission of the Church from American Business, Para-Church Organizations, Psychotherapy, Consumer Capitalism and Other Modern Maladies (Baker Books, 2005) and Prodigal Christianity: 10 Signposts into the Missional Frontier (Jossey-Bass 2013) with co-author Geoff Holsclaw. His latest book is entitled Faithful Presence: How God Shapes the Church for the Sake of the World. It is due Summer of 2016 with InterVarsity books.

Reviews

[Kim Shay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best books I've read which addresses the problems in Evangelicalism. In this volume, Fitch exposes ways in which the very practices of Evangelicalism open the door for an "us versus them" mentality; a setting up of antagonisms. If you've ever wondered why sometimes Evangelicalism is more frequently known for what it is against than what it is for, this book will help describe why that happens.

The most meaningful part of the book for me was Fitch's discussion of lining up under "banners" rather professing faith on Christ. There are banners like politics, inerrancy, biblicism, and even social issues like abortion and sexual identity. If someone doesn't fit under out banner, we demonize them and draw lines. If I believe the substance of my faith is my political views, then anyone who doesn't share them becomes "them." This runs rampant in Evangelicalism. Personally, one of the biggest banners that was held up in the church I attended for 25+ years was its dispensational eschatology and obsession with predicting when the rapture was coming. Churches who rejected the idea of the rapture were unbiblical. Likewise for those who baptize infants: they are "them" and we need to mistrust them. We rejected Hallowe'en because it was worldly; people who didn't reject it were just not one of "us."

This wreaks havoc in the Church, but even worse, this attitude flows toward those who do not profession Christianity. They are a class of "them" all their own. We have to shelter ourselves from "them" because they are not one of "us" while ironically at the same time, we want them to be converted. That makes "them" more like targets than human beings made in God's image.

This principle of "us versus them" was the reason why for many years, I felt uneasy about some of the attitudes in my former church. Having a way to articulate them was very helpful for me in seeking to reject the notion of "us versus them."

[Jeremy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful way of weaving together Missional ecclesiology (church for the world), political/public theology (church’s way of being in the world), theology (God’s omnipresence in the world and intensified presence in the church), social and historical analysis of the American church (narrative of different antagonisms that have shaped the American church today), and on-the-ground advice for how to move beyond antagonisms to creatively disrupt antagonisms, reveal enemies while responding with questions, curiosity, and different space-opening ways that have potential to invite others into participation in the new creation.

Similar in ethos to other Missional literature, but its uniquely concise and deliberate pacing combined with a patience that reflects what Fitch is advising make it a good read to recommend. We must learn the way of Jesus and this book can perhaps be a help in that for illuminating specific ways in our times.

Excited to share this with others in my immediate sphere.

[Selah Curcuruto · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5!

I would love a version of this book where every use of “church of us vs. them” was replaced with “that enemy jawn”, “enemy making machine” with “that inflammatory jawn”, and “space beyond enemies” with “that good community jawn”.

[Hannah Rosson · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much insight in this book. Fitch identifies major attitudes/mindsets that lie at the root of division in the church. He provides readers with the tools to identify these for themselves and practically (and intentionally) create space to recognize the work of God in the world, instead of contributing to antagonism.

This book helped me recognize some places I was harbouring bitterness in my heart toward some people groups because of past experiences I have had. It also showed me some places I was fearful. It's given me questions about myself to ponder and things to change, for which I am thankful!

I appreciated the depth of his examination of this issue. Fitch covers 3 major areas that often divide people in the church: views of the Bible, views of salvation, and views of politics. After discussing each one of these areas, Fitch offers different ways to approach each issue that encourage people to honor and listen to each other and open themselves up to God's work in their lives, rather than feeding the "enemy-making" machine.

This book has given me more ideas on how to approach people who may see things different than I do. In our current political/religious climate, this book would be great for any Christian who wants to identify and change divisive habits/mindsets within themselves.

[Tim Otto · Rating 5 out of 5]

How many Americans would say the church is for them rather than against them? Why is the church better known for its hates rather than its loves?

In David Fitch’s timely new book, the church of us vs. them: Freedom from a Faith That Feeds on Making Enemies, he identifies the fodder that fuels the church’s “againstness,” and gathers kindling for a blaze of love toward both those inside the church and out.

Fitch begins with a (mercifully short) survey of the need for the book. Anyone not aware of the polarization both within the church and in our culture has either been off the grid in Montana for the last 40 years or has Comcast for a service provider.

In chapter two, Fitch surveys the parts in Christianity of what he calls the “enemy making machine.” One element—banners—are those beliefs that may have little real effect on our daily lives, but function as a way of separating “us” from “them.” Another element is the human tendency to create enemies as a way of simplifying the world and as a way to feel superior to others.

Fitch looks at church history and theology to show how these elements have animated the hostility both within the ranks of the church and towards outsiders. One example is the Protestant emphasis on “praying the prayer” (the prayer of conversion). The prayer marks a person as “one of us,” regardless of life change and real conviction. It separates Christians from anyone who has never said the prayer (whether they are Christians who see conversion as a gradual process or non-Christians who may be moving toward faith).

Throughout the book, Fitch traces the life of a Christian named Justin who goes from a black and white, staunchly boundaried version of Christianity to a delight in God’s work in the world, and a curiosity as to how to participate with God. This re-narration of what Christianity is (far more robust that what I can describe here), is one of the best gifts of the book.

Fitch ends the book with a vision of how God intends the church to model a new way of human relationships. Rather than identities based on who we are against, the church is a reconciled body animated by love and our passion for God’s in-breaking, unifying reality. Along with scripture, Fitch envisions an extremely happy ending for the world. The wisdom in this book will help all of us join in God’s good work toward that joyful end.

(Disclosure: I was given an advance copy of the book to review but no financial compensation. The review above is my honest opinion.)

[Mark Kennicott · Rating 2 out of 5]

This could have been a five star rating. There are many things to like here, and the main premise of the book is solid. That being said, the us vs. them position the author espouses is weakened by his own poorly articulated and biased positions on matters of politics. His disdain for Trump comes through clearly, especially in the way Fitch unfairly or dishonestly represents Trump's words or policies. I would have been happy to see critiques that were more nuanced and accurate, as there is much to mine there. Fitch could have included any number of similar policies or positions espoused by Biden, Obama, or even Clinton. Indeed, his points would work better if he were aiming at both sides of the isle. To be fair, politics is not the main thrust of the book (and thankfully so). But given a whole chapter is devoted to that arena, a more balanced approach would have been better, especially when trying to promote a position "beyond enemies." It's hard to believe the message "Let's not take sides!" when one's position is so patently one-sided.

[Aaron Cochrill · Rating 4 out of 5]

I challenge the reader to approach this book with an open mind, otherwise an adherence to your traditional religious background will no doubt further promote the “enemy-making” thought processes and beliefs Fitch discusses that we currently employ in our current state of most churches. Hopefully this book should result in a paradigm shift of thinking for most people.

[Matthew Richey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A popular-level more accessible version of The End of Evangelicalism. I don't know if I agree with everything (although I agree with an awful lot) but, as in all three Fitch books I've read, my thinking and life have been challenged. This book takes a prophetic tone and its message deserves to be heard and engaged.

[Patrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for those who love the church and politics.

[Richard Cochrill · Rating 3 out of 5]

Most interesting read but it definitely requires an open mind to new ways of thinking about traditional ideas

[Ryan Bengtson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A helpful presentation of how we turn locally and contextually discerned convictions into banners of division and hate. While the content is focused on how this happens within churches, there is certainly something about this that speaks to all of our current society and its propensity for disunity.

[Robert D. Cornwall · Rating 5 out of 5]

We live at a moment in time where even the church is divided into two camps. You are with us or you are against us. If you aren't with us, then you must be evil. We have become adept at creating banners around which we can rally against our enemies. We talk over each other, but rarely with each other. It is dividing congregations, denominations, as well as families. I understand the importance of standing up for what is right and what is true, and that moderation is often a path to the status quo, not the common good.

So, is there a pathway that might take us to a different place, not a place of compromise where injustice continues to maintain its dominance, but a pathway to a true common good as revealed in the person of Jesus that leads to a church that moves beyond "us vs. them"? This is the point of David Fitch's latest book, titled "The Church of Us vs. Them." In this book, which is directed primarily at the evangelical community of which he is a part, Fitch invites us to look at the issues and causes that divide. He asks us to consider ways of moving beyond our "causes" to a different way of being church.

Fitch, who is a pastor and a professor, recognizes that one of the causes of our current problems is the church's loss of power that has come with the demise of Christendom. Coupled with that loss of power is our tendency of living with Christendom habits. We express these habits in the way we talk (we use Christian jargon and expect everyone to understand the meaning). We assume everyone should want to come to church, and don't come because they've not found the right one. We expect everyone to respect Christian leaders. That is, we expect everyone to live as if nothing has changed since the end of the 1950s. Since things have changed we get angry, and we make enemies. We get defensive and demand respect for our way of doing things. Such is not the case, so it's time to try something different. That means leaving behind Christendom. But it also involves recognizing the challenges that come when we try to align ourselves with the powers that be, like political parties.

We seem to know that things are not as they should be. We understand that anger, strife, and hatred are a problem. We just can't seem to get off the train. To get there we'll first need to name the problems and then figure out a way to respond, which will be different from the one we made use of in prior decades when Christendom reigned.

The purpose of the book, according to Fitch, is to move beyond enemy-making. He sees the church as a space that can be beyond enemies, but that will require major changes to the way we engage the world. That is increasingly difficult in the "Age of Trump." The polarization isn't new, but it has become magnified since the 2016 election.

The book is composed of nine chapters. The first chapter names the strife among us. He calls on us to examine our context. From there we move to the "Enemy-Making Machine." This is a conversation about banners that we rally around. Banners galvanize the people around a cause, and here's the rub: "It's always easier to gather a group around what we're against, because it gets people angry" (p. 33). Having introduced the issue of enemy-making, he introduces our debates over the Bible. While Fitch has signed a statement of faith affirming inerrancy of the Bible, he speaks here of the "Banner of the 'Inerrant Bible.'" As an alumnus of an institution that was attacked during the "battle for the Bible," I understand the issue pretty well. He is correct that the idea of an "inerrant bible" is more banner than reality (we don't have access to the autographs, which are supposed to be inerrant). Thus the question is really one of how we read Scripture.

The chapter on the question of whether one is biblical is followed by a chapter in which Fitch lays out his understanding of the Bible, which he describes as God's Grand Drama. It is the "space beyond enemies." Rather than getting up in defending the Bible, he invites us to consider the broad drama that is the Bible, a drama that moves us beyond enemy-making. Then we move to the question of making a decision, the first of two chapters that deal with questions of salvation and conversion, again moving us beyond enemy-making. The point of conversion here is participating in the reign of God. Here is where life choices come into play. It's not just about getting into heaven, it is about being transformed by one's encounter with God.

These conversations provide the foundation for dealing with the question of making America Christian again. Is this not why so many white evangelicals supported Donald Trump? He promised to give them power, so the nation could become Christian again. Of course, the question is, was American ever Christian? And is this a goal to be pursued? In other words, is the idea of the Christian nation simply another banner around which to rally the troops? In the end, it has nothing to do with being Christian. What we need is, he suggests, "a new practice of engaging the world for God's justice, a new practice of being the church in the world beyond enemies." (p. 139).

Chapters eight and nine provide Fitch the opportunity to offer his vision of a way forward. Chapter eight is titled "The Local Church is My Politics." I've struggled with the idea of the church as our politics as it has seemed to me as an evasion of responsibility. We create a community of witness, but it really doesn't demand much of us (this is especially true of white churches, no matter their political/theological alignments). That is not his intention, as I read the book. He sees the church as space wherein we work toward that vision of being a space beyond enemies. The final chapter is a vision of the church that lives beyond our divisions. Here the realm of God becomes visible within a community that seeks to overcome the divisions of our age, a church that has given up the attempt at recreating Christendom. In other words, can we make space in the church for Jesus to inhabit? There is an appendix in which Fitch seeks to develop the "rudiments of a political theology of presence." This is essentially a followup to the final chapter.

While I may have my disagreements at points, and I expect we're not completely at the same place on every issue, the most likely area of disagreement might be regarding the place of LGBTQ folks in the church and society. He seems to be welcoming, but I'm not sure if he is affirming. Part of this is due to my being in a different place than he is. I have evangelical roots but I live within a mainline context. My theology is likely to the left of his, but on the whole, however, the book spoke to me of a vision that is part of my own sense of calling. So, I want to encourage people to read the book and consider how we can move beyond the banners of enemy-making, to a vision of the common good.

[Joel Halpin · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to like this book and the topic is very important. This book definitely made me think and brought some interesting layers to the divisions in our churches.

I do not know much about the author, but he seems very intelligent. My biggest problem is that his theology is very lacking which is a huge problem if you are trying to pursue holiness within the church and address these issues. The author assumes that a liberal theology of topics is either true or necessary to address the us vs Them problem. I disagree with much of his suggestions and think there are other paths that can stay true to the biblical text yet extend an attitude of love and reconciliation between the different sides and factions in the church and our
nation.

Overall, I’m glad I read the book, it was quick and made me think in new ways. Unfortunately I found the author’s theology and historical perspectives one sided and incomplete. This is definitely a topic that needs to be addressed, but this book missed the mark.

[Gino · Rating 5 out of 5]

In The Church of Us vs Them, David Fitch dares to give the church an imagination beyond manufacturing “enemy-making machines” toward making room for the presence of God--and inviting others into this space beyond enemies.

This book is simultaneously timely and timeless. Timely given our current divisive and tension-filled times with competing ideologies and subsequent arguments. Yet, it is timeless in that for as long as there has been humanity and our discord, God has desired to be present with us and see us create a space for his presence to be extended to others.

This book is well worth your time and is helping our church to more clearly communicate a way forward in the mission of God.

[Rob · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very readable introduction to living Christ's reconciliation in the midst of a divided world. Dr. Fitch offers a challenging assessment of the divisions that energize the church, both internally and externally, and how, through Christ, the church can begin to overcome the "enemy making machine" offering a new way of operating without enemies in a divided world. Each chapter assesses a division and presents a resolution that focuses on how the presence of Christ is discerned in the midst of a polarized society. It is a hopeful book for our divided time and I am grateful for the opportunity to read this as a pastor.

[Bob · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summary: Discusses the roots of a church of us versus them and proposes a vision of the church as a space beyond making enemies.

Even though there are serious signs that American churches are experiencing significant losses of numbers and cultural influence, Christians are hanging onto habits of a posture of "us versus them" developed during a time of greater cultural ascendancy. So contends pastor David E. Fitch, who believes it is a matter of urgent concern that the church move to a space beyond us versus them to one that refuses to make enemies.

Fitch explores the factors that contribute to enemy making. He observes how distinctives of belief and behavior can develop a life of their own becoming the litmus test of who is one of "us" and who is one of "them." Eventually the distinctives can become banners, often devoid of the content that originally shaped them, but that defines the divide between friends and enemies. Often, these divides both feed on fear and make us feel better about ourselves.

Fitch explores three distinctive banners of evangelical faith. One is the banner of the "inerrant Bible" and the idea of being a "biblical" Christian, language invoked for whatever position one wishes to uphold with a smattering of scripture. This language is used in a way that exercises power over, and excludes people. Fitch proposes instead that when we move to a space beyond making enemies, the Bible is the story of the Grand Drama of God. We do not use the Bible to win arguments and fight for a "position" but to hear and extend an invitation for all to enter into that Great Drama. We do not assume we possess "inerrant truth" but continue to listen humbly to each other as we search the text of scripture to understand our part in the drama.

The second distinctive banner is that of "the decision." Perhaps nothing better defines who is "in" and who is "out" than the "decision" for Christ. Sadly, so many of those who wave this banner fail to go on to a life of vibrant discipleship following Jesus, and often have no difficulty justifying the compatibility of immoral behavior with being "saved" because they have made "the decision." Instead Fitch argues for a vision of conversion beyond us versus them, as participation over a lifetime in a faithful life of repentance and surrender to Christ, characterized both by forgiveness and personal holiness, and a commitment to extending Christ's healing and salvation into every aspect of the world's need. While such a conversion doesn't make enemies in its invitation to all to follow Christ, it exposes those who make themselves the enemies of Christ by refusing his gracious rule.

The third banner is the church that seeks to make America Christian again and seeks to do so aligned with the politics of the right (Jerry Falwell) or the left (Jim Wallis). Instead, he contends for the church as its own political structure, "a demonstration plot of the Kingdom." Fitch writes:

   All this means that the difference between Christians and the world is not a spatial one, it's an eschatological one. It's not an us-vs-them difference. It's a matter of timing. There are not two spaces: the space of the ones who are "in" and the ones who are "out." Rather, the church is already where the world is heading; the world just doesn't know it yet. We are living in the kingdom ahead of time. We are the first fruits of a harvest that shall be fully gathered in the future. We are against no one. Despite appearances, the world is not our enemy. We are just ahead of them. The church is the space beyond enemies, the church beyond us vs. them.

He closes by talking about the way Jesus addressed controversy by confounding the enemy-making tendency of people, supremely demonstrated with the woman caught in adultery. Jesus responds in silence, writing in the sand, and then bids those without sin to go ahead and stone her. He refuses to condemn her and restores her while extending the true sense of the law into her life as he pronounces her both forgiven and urges her to no longer choose sin in her life. He then asks if we will be the presence of Jesus in the world in how we engage the Bible, how we practice conversion and mission, and how we live as the church in the world.

I'm not sure if Fitch explains to my satisfaction why we feel so compelled to make enemies, which is not merely a Christian but rather a human behavior. What he does do well is explain the dynamics of how this has worked itself out among evangelical Christians. He also offers a compelling vision of a space beyond us versus them, not a space of compromise, but something different altogether, caught up in God's Grand Drama. I suspect there are some still enamored of fighting battles against "them" and seeing the world in terms of friends and enemies (and we can never be quite sure of our friends). But I also suspect that there others who are tired of "othering" both inside and outside the church. They want to choose love rather than fear; the open arms of embrace rather than the closed fists of a fight. For these, Fitch offers a vision of the church as a place where that can begin to happen.

________________________________

Disclosure of Material Connection: Thanks, Brazos Press, for the chance to read an advanced reading copy of this forthcoming book. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

[Joel Wentz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is some of David Fitch’s best writing, and as far as I have seen, one of the best explicitly-Christian responses to our antagonistic and deeply-divided cultural moment.

Fitch wisely leverages some key insights of cultural theorists, particularly the notions of “master signifier” (which he labels “banner”) and “enjoyment.” I find it incredibly refreshing to see a sophisticated theological voice glean these helpful concepts from writers like Zizek and apply them to our current situation. After defining these concepts in an approachable way, Fitch turns to 3 key examples of ways in which the American church has latched onto important ideas/practices, but has turned them into empty banners, ways of invoking perverse enjoyment, and ultimately, fed into the broader “enemy-making machine” of American culture. These 3 examples are: the Bible, conversion, and of course, politics.

Fitch does wonderful work articulating how the American church has allowed each of these 3 areas to become co-opted by the “enemy-making machine” at work in our broader culture. He persuasively argues that each of them has become an empty “banner” that gets waved around in damaging cultural conflicts, but doesn’t result in on-the-ground life change. Personally, he writes about concepts like “inerrancy” and “conversion” that speak directly to my own felt experience, as someone in highly-evangelistic vocational ministry. I found it deeply encouraging, validating, even while also a bit convicting.

Overall, I love how Fitch operates from an Anabaptist theological-ecclesiological framework, but one that is not removed from culture and history. This book is replete with footnotes that engage thinkers as broad as AW Tozer, James Cone, Ruth Padilla Deborst, and Slavoj Zizek. The result is a book that shows depth of thinking and sensitivity to our cultural moment, but is accessible and challenging throughout.

**I was sent an electronic advance copy in exchange for an honest review.**

[Tyler · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The question for Christians everywhere, as we gather in church services amid the tumult of our times, is this: is my church more like a political rally or the table of the Lord?" "Can we, by the power and presence of the living Christ, be that space in the world that is beyond enemies?" (p. 164)

The antagonisms that Fitch addresses in this book are nothing new: debates about the authority of Scripture, the nature of conversion, and the role of the church in politics. However, I never realized the extent of the "enemy-making machine." These debates thrive on making enemies. Fitch dares to ask what it would look like to DISCERN the work of the Holy Spirit in our local communities rather than continually debate and rally behind empty ideologies.

While the book is more of an "eye-opener" than anything else, I did come away with some practical suggestions on how to live "beyond enemies." I plan to lean on the appendix in the back of the book (Appendix 2) the next time a confict or antagonism arises in a church leadership meeting

We've got a lot of work to do if we hope to move beyond the enemy-making machine. It's everywhere in our culture. Fitch's book and the stories he shares has encouraged me. It is possible. Christ has made it possible! Unfortunately, the very folks claiming to be the church oftentimes thrive on making enemies. But it doesn't have to be that way. If you want to know and follow Christ more fully, if you want to live as an agent of His peace, I highly encourage you to check out this book.

[Tai · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fitch's book certainly lands on the scene at a providential moment. As many Christians watch the downfall of (or are disillusioned by) churches built on self-assured leaders who offered clear, definite lines regarding biblical interpretation, morality, practice, and witness, we're left asking the question, "So how ARE we supposed to function in the world?' Fitch addresses this, not by providing a different comprehensive answer, but by asking us to reexamine our underlying assumptions about Christ's Kingdom and it's practice. 

His overall assertion is that we can maintain fidelity to genuine gospel truth while being able to charitably discuss those issues where there is space for differing approaches. The strength of the book lies primarily in the examples from his own personal and pastoral experience that give a concrete way of envisioning a different paradigm for approaching missions, discipleship, conversation, and social/cultural engagement. While, personally, I would have appreciated the inclusion of additional examples, I found the book helpful for asking questions regarding my own life and approach to faith conversations. Overall, a refreshing and thought-provoking book. 

[Carol R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is no “Let’s all just get along” book. Fitch's call to move beyond enemy-making into opening up space for God to work requires sacrifice, he says, and a reimagining of how we interact with Scripture, of what conversion fully entails, of how to be the church in the world. The book requires an attention to the process Fitch is laying out. I think, for me at least, the book will require an immediate second reading to fully grasp how my thinking and posture need to change.

The book explains how slogans and banners are vital to the enemy-making machine. “It extracts the enemy from relationship and makes them into an object around which we gather fear and loathing.” And so slogans and banners must be laid down at the cross of Jesus.

Instead, can we move out into the world, listening, being present in another’s pain, suffering, and guilt and, as Fitch says, “when the time is right, … proclaim ‘I believe God is working in you to ______________. Can you see this too?'”

This sounds like a more hopeful way forward. And provides the footpath.

[Jon Nip · Rating 5 out of 5]

In an age of opposition, power struggles, and divisiveness, what hope does the church have to offer if it embodies the same posture and witness? In his unique and prophetic voice, David Fitch deeply explores the overt and subtle world of antagonisms, especially in how they have infiltrated the character and practices of the church, and calls out for spaces in which God’s presence and grace can redeem and restore. Especially when Christians have been less known for their love and more for what they are against, this book paints a portrait of how we can reclaim a posture of humility, graciously expose the enemy-making machine, tear down banners of hostility, and truly embody a presence of living beyond us vs. them.

Incredibly grateful for David Fitch and his contributions into this much needed conversation that point us to live in spaces for God’s presence to be experienced and to work in transformative ways.

[Cameron Roxburgh · Rating 4 out of 5]

David has made some wonderful observations. His love of the church shines through clearly, and yet he has not lost his prophetic voice. He is unafraid to say the hard things, but says them in an inspiring way, such that we long to pursue these kinds of relationships. We know he is correct, yet it is not easy to do.

What is profoundly important, is that David lives this way. I have seen it.

The difficulty will continue to be, learning to actually carry out the implications of what we believe, without comprising the convictions we have. There were a couple of times in the book where I had a little sense that we may be waffling on convictions, but for the most part - this is an important book for us to read.

[Serge · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was the perfect complement to Reading Romans Backwards. In the same way that McKnight places an accent on Christoformity, so too does Fitch remind the people of the way to walk away from the enemy-making machine. Too much of our striving and our discourse is predicated on division. Fitch preaches a peace-filled practice of fullness. I particularly appreciated his appeal to the theology of James Cone to make the case that the social and the personal are interwoven. The Koinonia Farm anecdote was spot on. Practicing peace will reveal enemies. We cannot abandon our enemies. We must be reconciled.

[Dwayne Shugert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic insight about how to stop the enemy making machine that is so rampant in this time. It is a book every Christian should read, but I don't they will. For it calls you to be humbly and submit to the Lordship of Jesus Christ and come to any conflict with a deep sense of God's grace and spirit and humility in which we recognize that we could be wrong. Unfortunately most people come to conflict and debate not with the understanding of making space for God, but rather that I am right and I don't care what you or God has to say.

[Miles Larson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book wasn’t at all what I entered thinking. But as I continued i sort of lost track of what I was expecting and simply enjoyed it for what it was. I think I was hoping for a more politically-leaning less church-leaning approach, but it paid off. It ends up being a book about “opening space” for relationship and for Jesus to move, which flies in the face of the partisan/theological line drawing in which we tend to find comfort. A great read, that begins to create language and structures around how to have conversations about the fact that we can no longer have conversations.

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

No matter what side of the aisle on which you sit, - in church, work, school, politics, whatever, wherever - this is a book that can help you take a deep breath and move forward with grace and peace. Is that hill worth dying on? Do you know why you're even standing on that hill? Maybe it's time to look deeper into why you believe the way you do. Did you inherit the hill from past generations? Let's try to listen to the other without condemnation.

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book got me thinking about how Christians use the Bible as a "blunt instrument" that creates a "us/them" mentality within churches and denominations and about the way one belief or practice becomes a "banner" that functions to identify who is in and who is out. I found chapters 1-3 the most helpful. The five "Tactics for Engagement" in Appendix 2 could be useful in a church setting to create space for conversation, rather than dividing people into opposing groups.

[Stephen Bedard · Rating 4 out of 5]

A passionate call for an end to divisiveness in the church. It is a message that we need to hear. At the same time, it does miss out on some of the dynamic of the New Testament church. It could be argued from this book that the Apostle Paul is part of the problem. I would say this book only gives half the answer but still needs to be heard.

[Book · Rating 3 out of 5]

A dismantling of us vs. them in the church and how politics, economics, nationalism, social justice and other issues have set Christians against one another and ultimately against the teachings of Christ. Spoiler alert: Jesus is not an us vs. them advocate but rather a advocate of we in the kingdom of God.

[Connie Maier · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read as a staff book study and was helpful to see how banners can be used to divide people within the church. Most examples were heavily American, but many overlaps with our Canadian context. Some helpful tools for engaging with antagonism, but would have appreciated more how-to's, rather than primarily story-telling.