A House Divided: Engaging the Issues Through the Politics of Compassion

by Mark Feldmeir

". . . a clarion call for critical thinking and critical action that are well grounded in and informed by faith.” — Walter Brueggemann , Columbia Theological Seminary “. . . Feldmeir creatively addresses some of our most divisive issues by building on agreed-upon principles, or axioms, in order to begin conversation that is both realistic and mutually compassionate.” — The Most Rev. Michael B. Curry , Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church and author of The Power of Love and the upcoming Love is the Way Climate change, immigration, medical aid in dying, Islamic extremism, racism, healthcare, homosexuality, and preventing suicide. In our current culture of conflict, Americans need a better way of relating to one another and responding to controversial issues; a way that transcends political partisanship and emphasizes universal care, mutual concern, and the flourishing of the common good. In A House Divided , Feldmeir suggests that the solution to our political entrenchment is a shared commitment to practicing a politics of compassion; the motivating, unifying ideals of the gospel that insist that we work together for the benefit of the common good. “Feldmeir offers well-reasoned insights into many of the issues that paralyze our national resolve to seek the common good.” — Philip Amerson , President-Emeritus, Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary Each chapter includes a study guide for small group conversations.

Genres: Politics, Nonfiction, Religion

96 pages, Paperback

Published September 8, 2020

Reviews

[Shannon Butler · Rating 4 out of 5]

"What are the core spiritual values that define my character and conduct, that I am unwilling to compromise or sacrifice on the altar of partisan loyalty?"
If you are finding it difficult to talk to people about the major issues we face in what feels to be an increasingly polarized time, you are not alone. The book covers some big issues: Climate change, Racism, Immigration, Healthcare, Medical Aid in Dying, Islamic Extremism, Homosexuality, and Social Isolation and Suicide. For each issue, he offers axioms that we can use to help find common ground on extremely partisan and polarizing discussions. This is a great book for groups. There are thoughtful discussion questions that provoke deeply meaningful and evocative conversations. Each chapter is grounded in scripture. He offers an alternative to a politics of contempt without the cynicism that most would prefer to adopt. Cynicism is easy. It requires nothing of you. Cynicism is also the language of privilege. Living out a politics of compassion requires deep self-reflection, it requires action, it requires sacrifice. Rev. Feldmeir proposes that in "our politics, as in our religion, we have often made idols out of centrism and the middle ground. There is nothing inherently noble or courageous about standing in the middle. Democracy always thrives on the vigorous competition of opposing ideas, and Christian witness always demands a prophetic spirit that drives us to the margins." A politics of compassion requires moral courage, honest discourse, and working together for the common good. I really recommend this book if you are struggling with contentious and polarizing discourse and relationships around these social, cultural, and political issues.

[Robert D. Cornwall · Rating 3 out of 5]

Offering a politics of compassion that might bring clarity and perhaps common ground within the church after/during this difficult era, Feldmeir addresses in sermonic ways such concerns as immigration, sexuality, healthcare, and more. It is designed to be used in congregations for conversation starters. Feldmeir is progressive but willing to listen. There is one major faux pas in the book, and that gave me a bit of concern -- it is likely an editing issue, but Thomas Aquinas isn't a 4th-century theologian (13th).

[Holly]

I bought this book because it sounded like exactly what I was looking for to recommend for our discussion roundtable group. As I was reading it I felt that sometimes the author wrote it quickly to get it out there to people. Some chapters seemed to be unfinished. However, other chapters seemed well written and to hit the nail right on the head. I liked the concept.

[JP · Rating 5 out of 5]

It seems that "common ground" is more common as a phrase than as a place that the collective body of Christians actually tries to find. While this observation was likely just as true a hundred or a thousand years ago, the divisions have been compounded by the nature of modern media. It's easier than ever to put forth extreme, one-dimensional positions. Rather than integrate the arguments into a useful understanding of the problem, we just scroll to the next disconnected topic. In A House Divided, Mark Feldmeir gives us a start at finding common ground on eight of the most debated social and economic issues we face today. In course, he models an approach we can apply to other issues. The approach is to identify foundational points of agreement, axioms, that we can build on to understand the problem together and then find broadly acceptable solutions. For example, one of the axioms for the topic of racism is: "How we think about racism is largely determined by our own particular race." Some readers will nod in agreement, while others will be prompted to consider this concept for the first time. In either case, they'll find in the book a mix of stories, facts and theological arguments we can all use to construct a solution together.  The topic of racism is especially timely right now, and for me, the dialogue in this chapter complemented the conversations I've been a part of in my professional life and recent book groups. Feldmeir writes: "if we want to understand racism in the U.S., as uncomfortable as it might be for us, we have the moral responsibility to open our eyes and see our society more truthfully, and to become more receptive to what it is like to be black in the U.S." This call to action is backed by a fact base - thoroughly sourced - to help us gain an expanded perspective.

The book itself is short. At just over a hundred pages, it's a concise yet thoughtful start at reconciling the top issues facing us right now. The book is much more robust and meaningful if you invest in contemplating the questions designed to prompt deeper understanding at the close of each chapter.  I recommend reading this whole book, including spending time on the thought exercises, and then returning again to the axioms and questions over time, based on the current topics that come to your screen and consciousness. This book would also be a great selection for a book group, and any of the chapters could serve as a resource for group discussions on those topics. Questioning our own beliefs and seeking to reconcile them with others' hotly contested statements can be an exhausting process. It's the work we need to do. A House Divided provides a framework, a playbook, and a beginning.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a timely read for 2020, and a great book for discussion. Feldmeir has videos on youtube to accompany this book which add to the understanding of the text. He also has some simple additions in the video that address ideas we are seeing because of the global pandemic. It is not a book of answers, but a book of questions. Hopefully, in discussing such important topics we can grow as a faith community and nation.