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The Space Between Us
Tension in our personal relationships are at an all-time high. Dialogue-when it happens at all-is heated. It isn't that we've lost hope in what faith and politics can accomplish in our world. It's that in our polarizing times, faith and politics seem to be leading more to rage than actual change. It's discouraging, disheartening, and disappointing. But it doesn't have to stay that way. Civility is not a pipe dream. Nuance is not unrecoverable. Peace is possible. And it can all start right here, right now, with us.For those who are looking for a better way to engage on the topics that mean the most to them,for those who are looking to build a bridge with the people politics and religion has isolated them from,for those who won't settle for the growing space between us and who believe there's a better way,this book is for you.
253 pages, Paperback
Published November 5, 2020
128 people are currently reading
371 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
November 23, 2021
The Space Between sounded like an interesting book based on its description. It describes itself as a bridge to learn to participate in difficult conversations regarding religion and politics. I was hoping to read some advice on how to manage such challenges. Unfortunately the book read more like an old Nike commercial that said "Just Do it!" It reads largely as a woman whose family has been heavily involved in politics and religion that manages to keep the lines of communication open with one another despite the fact they differ in opinion. For me personally this seems completely unremarkable.
If there's any item to take away from this, is to keep speaking respectfully and finding ways to stay close to loved ones despite their beliefs. There is no advice outside of simple common sense approaches which may not be a help to anyone who has significant issues with family over politics and / or religion.
If there's any item to take away from this, is to keep speaking respectfully and finding ways to stay close to loved ones despite their beliefs. There is no advice outside of simple common sense approaches which may not be a help to anyone who has significant issues with family over politics and / or religion.
March 6, 2021
This book stops far short of actually saying anything of substance. The author's ideas are not particularly groundbreaking, nor is there anything much here to help people deal with the real problems that divide us. The book does nothing to tackle the problems of racism, homophobia, xenophobia, conspiracy theory-believing whack job family members...I could go on. In the end, this is a nice book full of platitudes for Christians who want to believe they are doing something to "bridge the divide" without taking on any of the most divisive issues. If you need your work to start here, fine, but letting it end here won't change anything. Jesus was a radical, and this book isn't.
February 1, 2021
My first introduction to this book was listening to the author on the She Speaks Stories podcast. I had already ordered the book before the podcast was over. Given the year 2020 has brought us all, this is a must read. If the stress of politics wasn’t enough we also had the COVID-19 Pandemic thrown in there. So many friends and family have been divided by what the Main Stream Media wants us all to believe. It was refreshing to read a book that taught us to come together with what we have in common vice pull apart by our differences. I have used the rope analogy with several friends and family!!
May 12, 2022
Good book to really think about the way we go about our differences. Some things felt repetitive, but I loved her thoughts overall.
September 22, 2020
Excellent. So good to reflect on the divisions of today and how we might go about closing those gaps. Whether these divisions are political or religious, we all must own our part, and we all must strive to heal each other and our country.
May 23, 2022
Summary: An argument for a Christ-rooted civility in our politically and culturally polarized climate.
Sarah Bauer Anderson grew up in a political household, with a father, Gary Bauer, who briefly attempted a presidential candidacy. As Sarah grew older she found herself differing with her family on a number of issues they once saw eye to eye. She realized that to not allow those differences to separate them, it meant taking steps to move toward them without feeling the need to make each other into one’s image. She writes this book to describe how her Christian faith informs her approach to closing that space between us–not by agreeing on all the issues but on agreeing on the worth of each other–and even discovering that we like each other and are able to work on matters of common concern.
She chose connection versus distance with her family and describes in pairs of opposites some of the other choices we may make to close the space between us. She contends we need to be present with those with whom we disagree rather than deserting them for our echo chambers. She observes how Jesus included those “out of bounds” in his ministry rather than remaining boxed in. She describes learning that it is more important to develop a posture of wisdom, kindness, and generosity than to be “right” in our positions. Also, there is value in distinguishing beliefs, convictions, and opinions, rather than raising everything to the level of non-negotiable belief.
She urges choosing a politics of faith rather than fear. She distinguishes between enforced peacekeeping and the peacemaking that says that all of us in all of our differences are needed–we need each other. We learn to focus on commonalities rather than exclusivities. The Lord’s table teaches us that we may be re-membered rather than divided because of the one who was broken to make us whole. We recognize that instead of shaming those who disagree with us, we can choose to be curious, and draw closer. We can engage rather than build walls. We can learn names rather than using narratives to exclude. We meet new situations with wonder rather than confining expectations and allow for mystery rather than requiring certainty.
There are some common threads that run through this. Do we live in light of the work of Jesus or only cultural expectations? Do we value positions more than people? And do we choose animus over the value of those with whom we differ?
Emerging from the divisive politics of the last two elections, racial divisions, and the quarrels that arose around public health measures, we have had a glimpse of the abyss of allowing these things to drive us apart? Anderson invites us to step back from the abyss and toward each other. She shares her own journey with her family and others. There are some who consider the divides irreparable, and a politics of division essential. Anderson argues otherwise and describes the richness of drawing toward those with whom she differs, both harder and fuller than hanging with our own echo chambers. Most of all, she invites those of us who name Christ to follow the Christ who was broken for us, who made peace with his broken body.
Sarah Bauer Anderson grew up in a political household, with a father, Gary Bauer, who briefly attempted a presidential candidacy. As Sarah grew older she found herself differing with her family on a number of issues they once saw eye to eye. She realized that to not allow those differences to separate them, it meant taking steps to move toward them without feeling the need to make each other into one’s image. She writes this book to describe how her Christian faith informs her approach to closing that space between us–not by agreeing on all the issues but on agreeing on the worth of each other–and even discovering that we like each other and are able to work on matters of common concern.
She chose connection versus distance with her family and describes in pairs of opposites some of the other choices we may make to close the space between us. She contends we need to be present with those with whom we disagree rather than deserting them for our echo chambers. She observes how Jesus included those “out of bounds” in his ministry rather than remaining boxed in. She describes learning that it is more important to develop a posture of wisdom, kindness, and generosity than to be “right” in our positions. Also, there is value in distinguishing beliefs, convictions, and opinions, rather than raising everything to the level of non-negotiable belief.
She urges choosing a politics of faith rather than fear. She distinguishes between enforced peacekeeping and the peacemaking that says that all of us in all of our differences are needed–we need each other. We learn to focus on commonalities rather than exclusivities. The Lord’s table teaches us that we may be re-membered rather than divided because of the one who was broken to make us whole. We recognize that instead of shaming those who disagree with us, we can choose to be curious, and draw closer. We can engage rather than build walls. We can learn names rather than using narratives to exclude. We meet new situations with wonder rather than confining expectations and allow for mystery rather than requiring certainty.
There are some common threads that run through this. Do we live in light of the work of Jesus or only cultural expectations? Do we value positions more than people? And do we choose animus over the value of those with whom we differ?
Emerging from the divisive politics of the last two elections, racial divisions, and the quarrels that arose around public health measures, we have had a glimpse of the abyss of allowing these things to drive us apart? Anderson invites us to step back from the abyss and toward each other. She shares her own journey with her family and others. There are some who consider the divides irreparable, and a politics of division essential. Anderson argues otherwise and describes the richness of drawing toward those with whom she differs, both harder and fuller than hanging with our own echo chambers. Most of all, she invites those of us who name Christ to follow the Christ who was broken for us, who made peace with his broken body.
September 14, 2020
I cannot say enough about this book. When you add it to your cart, make sure you also add highlighters. There were many chapters of this book where more was left highlighted than not.
We live in tumultuous times. Conflict feels like it is at a high point, with few voices even challenging us to try to see the other side. Those that do fall flat, because they offer little more than a nice idea. A sunshine and rainbows ideal to "love each other" or to all "get along." These voices often dismiss the conflict or ask us to lay it down. They offer us no real way through.
Sarah highlights our differences. She validates them. She urges us to look at the "other" side in a new way. And better than all of that, she doesn't just tell us to get along...Sarah shows us HOW to navigate healthy relationships while still holding the beliefs, convictions, and opinions that make us different.
She goes deeper and deeper, uncovering all of the layers of our division. She shines a light on the darkness we all carry when it comes to looking at the "other." But she doesn't stop there. She shows us how to live together, to sharpen each other, to be present with one another. To know and love one another well. To pursue peace.
Y'all it is just so so good. My favorite part of the book is that at the end of each chapter she offers questions to really help readers to apply what they've read. These are DEEP questions. They are good questions. They are unsettling questions. I don't think anyone could walk away from this book having really taken the time to think through the content and questions without being changed for the better.
Just buy it. It isn't like anything else out there. Add those highlighters to your cart too and definitely share it with a friend when you are done!
We live in tumultuous times. Conflict feels like it is at a high point, with few voices even challenging us to try to see the other side. Those that do fall flat, because they offer little more than a nice idea. A sunshine and rainbows ideal to "love each other" or to all "get along." These voices often dismiss the conflict or ask us to lay it down. They offer us no real way through.
Sarah highlights our differences. She validates them. She urges us to look at the "other" side in a new way. And better than all of that, she doesn't just tell us to get along...Sarah shows us HOW to navigate healthy relationships while still holding the beliefs, convictions, and opinions that make us different.
She goes deeper and deeper, uncovering all of the layers of our division. She shines a light on the darkness we all carry when it comes to looking at the "other." But she doesn't stop there. She shows us how to live together, to sharpen each other, to be present with one another. To know and love one another well. To pursue peace.
Y'all it is just so so good. My favorite part of the book is that at the end of each chapter she offers questions to really help readers to apply what they've read. These are DEEP questions. They are good questions. They are unsettling questions. I don't think anyone could walk away from this book having really taken the time to think through the content and questions without being changed for the better.
Just buy it. It isn't like anything else out there. Add those highlighters to your cart too and definitely share it with a friend when you are done!
January 18, 2021
I’ve made my way through the book, and it’s one that is hard to leave a review that is uncharitable. I sense some angst in the author trying to navigate the culture she inhabits. Unfortunately, many of the voices in her ear are from the emerging church margins that applauds conversation and mystery and downplays certainty and clarity. The narrative she inhabits doesn’t really delve into Jesus use of Scripture on marriage for example - and how that should guide our conversations. It also for some odd reason doesn’t talk about a defining issue for many believers: the unborn. In some ways - it’s the old historical argument that Machen dealt with in Presbyterian life in the 1920’s over Princeton Seminary. His take was correct -
Look it up! Lose orthodoxy over the call to missions and conversation and you will lose everything. His insight was prescient. The question is how we can be civil and loving but remain distinctly Christian. I know, in many ways, the goal is to make me uncomfortable and crave a Manhattan, but my discomfort was more from what seems a discourse designed to lose distinctiveness as salt and light.
Look it up! Lose orthodoxy over the call to missions and conversation and you will lose everything. His insight was prescient. The question is how we can be civil and loving but remain distinctly Christian. I know, in many ways, the goal is to make me uncomfortable and crave a Manhattan, but my discomfort was more from what seems a discourse designed to lose distinctiveness as salt and light.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 15, 2025
I wanted to like this book, and there are parts that are wise and moving, but ultimately ignoring the elephant in the room makes everything seem a bit disingenuous.
The thesis of this book is to look for ways to interact with those whose religious or political differences separate us. She has thought deeply about this and really has a vision of how we can bridge the gap. There is a story about a woman struggling to become sober that will stay with you long after the book is completed.
However.
At one point, she discovers that someone has written something untrue about her father. She is outraged and how she deals with her anger in a constructive way is insightful.
However.
Her father has been one of the most divisive character in our recent history. Let me quote a recent tweet: ‘The left hates America and anyone who wants to make it great again.’ He is the king of cheap shots interspersed with scripture passages.
She spends a chapter about two sentences that defame her father and ignores a lifetime of his shameful behavior.
It made it impossible to take the book seriously. It’s a shame; she means well, but next time remove the log, ok?
The thesis of this book is to look for ways to interact with those whose religious or political differences separate us. She has thought deeply about this and really has a vision of how we can bridge the gap. There is a story about a woman struggling to become sober that will stay with you long after the book is completed.
However.
At one point, she discovers that someone has written something untrue about her father. She is outraged and how she deals with her anger in a constructive way is insightful.
However.
Her father has been one of the most divisive character in our recent history. Let me quote a recent tweet: ‘The left hates America and anyone who wants to make it great again.’ He is the king of cheap shots interspersed with scripture passages.
She spends a chapter about two sentences that defame her father and ignores a lifetime of his shameful behavior.
It made it impossible to take the book seriously. It’s a shame; she means well, but next time remove the log, ok?
June 9, 2021
Wow. Very contemplative and challenging. Author was daughter of Presidential candidate and shares some political insight personally.
Our Toledo pastor referred to this a year ago during the election craziness and I finally got around to reading it. I wish I’d read it sooner but I also need to reread it and explore more of the reference passages.
Really worth the read. Some if the last chapters drag alittle, but it’s very engaging in the start.
Excellently thought provoking. Lots of questions.
A little taste:
“Scripture records Jesus Being asked 187 questions from the people who is surrounded him over the course of his life. And yet the irony of it all is that of 187 questions asked of him the infinitely wise son of God only directly answers three.”
Why is that?
“ over and over he was asked questions that he answered with a story, or a riddle, or questions of His own (and He asked over 300 questions).”
Our Toledo pastor referred to this a year ago during the election craziness and I finally got around to reading it. I wish I’d read it sooner but I also need to reread it and explore more of the reference passages.
Really worth the read. Some if the last chapters drag alittle, but it’s very engaging in the start.
Excellently thought provoking. Lots of questions.
A little taste:
“Scripture records Jesus Being asked 187 questions from the people who is surrounded him over the course of his life. And yet the irony of it all is that of 187 questions asked of him the infinitely wise son of God only directly answers three.”
Why is that?
“ over and over he was asked questions that he answered with a story, or a riddle, or questions of His own (and He asked over 300 questions).”
August 5, 2025
This is the most thought provoking and heart searching book I’ve read in a long time. And it is so timely as the author presents a way to regard fraught relationships in our polarized world. She asks us to consider the importance of connection over being “right”; the miracle of Jesus’ presence as the most important miracle he performed and how that might inform our relationships; the need for curiosity rather than rebuttals; the imperative of seeking the things we have in common as a starting point for connecting; and the grace of respecting those who have different ways of viewing the world all while not capitulating to ideas that are counter to our basic beliefs. She shares all this from the perspective of having worked through this in her own closest family relationships—not abstract nice ideas.
December 6, 2020
You probably don’t choose to read a book like this without expecting to gain some new insight. This book changed the way I look at things, and spurred me to examine some personal blind spots. It’s been a few days since I finished reading, but I’m still thinking about it. I think this is what a good book can do if you let it. I thought it was beautifully written, such that I went back many times to reread a sentence just to let it sink in and appreciate it. And timely —just what I needed to read at this time. Not just a good book, but for me it was a meaningful book.
February 18, 2021
"Our treatment of one another sends a far louder message than any stand we taken on any particular issue"
While this book discussed a concept from a different perspective I had already studied deeply through the Bait of Satan (a must read!), this book still does a great job of bringing to light how to close the spaces between us in conflict as believers. If you have family or friends who view things very differently from you and you're trying to learn how to better engage in conversation with them on these matters, this is a must read!
While this book discussed a concept from a different perspective I had already studied deeply through the Bait of Satan (a must read!), this book still does a great job of bringing to light how to close the spaces between us in conflict as believers. If you have family or friends who view things very differently from you and you're trying to learn how to better engage in conversation with them on these matters, this is a must read!
January 3, 2022
Just what I needed. Been so difficult navigating relationships when so many are angry and want to tell you what is wrong and why their way is the right way. Unfortunately, my Christian brothers and sisters have been some of the worst at this. I have wanted to fight back and show them they are wrong or just disassociate from them. This book helped me see the humanity in them, be curious, and build bridges. I am very thankful for that. A huge thanks to Sweet Brenda Sue for recommending this book to me and encouraging me to read it!
August 29, 2024
I gave this book four stars because it's sorely needed given the times we're in. I appreciated how Bauer Anderson weaved together personal anecdotes, others' stories, and Scripture (given this was written for a Christian audience) to highlight a posture and mindset that could change how we interact with one another.
This book is quite accessible, easy to read, and a great fit for the average reader. Whereas some texts use lofty, complicated language, Bauer Anderson writes in a way that makes you feel like you're sitting down to coffee with a friend.
This book is quite accessible, easy to read, and a great fit for the average reader. Whereas some texts use lofty, complicated language, Bauer Anderson writes in a way that makes you feel like you're sitting down to coffee with a friend.
June 28, 2021
Written with the intense practicality of real experience this is truly a book for our time. As we daily experience and watch the tearing apart of what we once thought we’re significant relationships Sarah Bauer offers paths through the confusing maze of conflicting opinions and perspectives and does so with the gentle grace of uncertainty. We should all listen and listen carefully because it just maybe these paths offer us the hope we need so badly!
February 7, 2022
I felt the author had much to contribute to the conversation about the political (and other) divisions in the US, especially in the last several chapters. The book is well-worth reading for anyone who has an interest in figuring out the how and why of improved understanding and communication.
For me, the writing style and grammar seemed uneven at times. I think some minor editing would have improved the reading experience.
For me, the writing style and grammar seemed uneven at times. I think some minor editing would have improved the reading experience.
July 19, 2022
I cannot recommend this book enough. Building bridges and closing gaps between differing views and opinions has always been and will always be one of my passions. Sarah comes from a very active political family, and later in life finds herself standing (politically) on the other side of the fence. She gives great advice on how to navigate these differing views and changes. Her poem/prayer---just moves my soul.
June 19, 2022
Exactly the sentiment I wanted to be made: we need to be curious before we are condemning and seek to find the person behind the politics.
Didn’t tell me anything wholly new, which is why it doesn’t get 5 stars (reserved for things that blow my mind) but a great book. Even the US politics were easily applicable to the UK.
Didn’t tell me anything wholly new, which is why it doesn’t get 5 stars (reserved for things that blow my mind) but a great book. Even the US politics were easily applicable to the UK.
April 26, 2023
Absolutely the best book that I have ever read in my life thus far. So poignant, so refreshing, and so kind. I thought her words were such a great reminder of how we need to treat others and ourselves. I would recommend this book to anyone and I think that everyone could benefit by reading this book. 10/10
October 1, 2020
This is a must read especially during this political season or upcoming holidays with family when you find yourself on opposing sides. This book is easy to read while making you think. And each chapter ends with ways to work through whatever the chapter talked about.
December 21, 2020
Timely and Provocative
Anderson does a phenomenal job of asking questions, presenting ways to do the hard work for yourself, and leaving room for humor too. The entire time I felt as if I were chatting over coffee with a friend. Highly recommend!
Anderson does a phenomenal job of asking questions, presenting ways to do the hard work for yourself, and leaving room for humor too. The entire time I felt as if I were chatting over coffee with a friend. Highly recommend!
February 25, 2021
Close the space
Excellent book with scripture to help us see how Jesus lived in bringing us closer in our differences. Sarah has given me some tools and stories to remind me to put relationships above being right.
Excellent book with scripture to help us see how Jesus lived in bringing us closer in our differences. Sarah has given me some tools and stories to remind me to put relationships above being right.
February 26, 2021
A timely and necessary book!
You need to read this book if you have people in your life that you don’t agree with. You really need to read this book if the only people in your life are ones that you agree with.
You need to read this book if you have people in your life that you don’t agree with. You really need to read this book if the only people in your life are ones that you agree with.
March 21, 2021
I loved reading this book. So well written and enjoyable to read. Sarah caused me to think about and wrestle with loving others who may think and believe differently than me. A very timely book in this divisive time.
May 13, 2021
A helpful guide to difficult political and religious conversations, especially with family and friends. I have used it in two small group discussion and it created great conversation and added insight.
July 26, 2021
I hate politics, and I did not expect to like this book. BUT, it showed me that my avoidance of conflict and discussion around them is just chances I am losing to further understand people and deepen relationships. I recommend!
December 10, 2020
A great place to start.
A very good reading for the time we are living. How to learn to love and live regardless of our differences
A very good reading for the time we are living. How to learn to love and live regardless of our differences
May 29, 2021
Very obvious main point... We are divided. However, amazing depiction of ways we can bridge the gap.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 28, 2022
Timely, well written encouragement to pursue people instead of agendas.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews