Around the Table

by Jonathan P. Case

In these days of uncivil public discourse—complete with trolling, hater comments, CAPSLOCKING, and generally acting like jerks towards each other—talking graciously about anything is becoming a lost art. Throw religion into the mix (“Well, my Bible says . . . ”) and you’ve got one huge toxic mess. Is it possible for Christians to become more thoughtful and gracious conversation partners as we talk through our theological disagreements? How can we keep from throwing around the term heretic! every time someone disagrees with us? And remember, it’s a big world out there. If arguing with other Christians isn’t difficult enough, how do we think about engaging members of other religions? What’s the point of talking with them? They don’t know God anyway, right? Then there are all those agnostics and atheists, accusing believers of ignorance and calling for the end of religion. Why should we even want to talk with these people? Aren’t they our enemies? What can we possibly learn from them? In this book, Jonathan Case explores, from a Christian theological perspective, what’s at stake in these conversations and suggests how to keep people talking through their disagreements about that most volatile subject: God.

186 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2019

Reviews

[Benjamin Lipscomb · Rating 4 out of 5]

The outworking of years of experience, considered with humility and imagination. I have already put it to use.

[Simon Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Why do people write each other off, and walk away from conversation? The impetus for this work comes from a couple of bad experiences that will resonate with most of us. Jon then proceeds to ask, what might we have in common with Christians of other traditions? With adherants of other faiths? With those who profess no religion or belief in God? Where do we part ways? How might we talk together and what might we learn from each other, while faithfully following in Jesus' footsteps? Being committed to listening to, and talking graciously with those we don't like, and perhaps even view as enemies, is to take up our cross and follow Christ. If you make it that far into this work, Jon may upend some of your thinking about just what that phrase may mean in our current climate. His conversational style of writing is easy to read, and not dissimilar to his teaching style in person. After chapters exploring the themes outlined above, Jon upacks two episodes from Jesus' life to sharpen our focus on what we should be about when we enter into conversation/relationship. Finally, he concludes with a story that illustrates all that has gone before. A surprise move, but a Jesus move! You don't have to be a theologian to get something out of this work [although Jon's big brain does bleed through in some of the language register]. As the church continues to rip itself apart, especially over same-sex marriage, Jon takes us back to basics so that we might start a more gracious conversation. Oh, and he gave me an appreciation of John Wesley that i never had before.
Jon may not be a prolific writer, or a celebrity pastor or theologian, but he is a prolific reader and an astute observer of all things cultural. What he has to say is worth a hearing.