What do you think?
Rate this book
Truth Over Tribe: Pledging Allegiance to the Lamb, Not the Donkey or the Elephant
Do you feel exhausted by tribalism? You aren’t alone.
As culture warriors divide the world into us and them—fracturing families, friendships, and churches—most of us long for an end to the constant fighting. But does a practical path exist?
Jesus lived in a culture split by tribalism, but he resisted its allure by choosing something truth. He’s now inviting you to apply his ancient path to the modern culture war. In Truth Over Tribe, you will How tribalism makes your life miserableHow to lovingly resist when a tribe demands your allegianceHow to heal relationships fractured by tribalismHow to unite diverse communities How would your community change if you became a catalyst for Christlike unity? Rejecting tribalism is the first step.
As culture warriors divide the world into us and them—fracturing families, friendships, and churches—most of us long for an end to the constant fighting. But does a practical path exist?
Jesus lived in a culture split by tribalism, but he resisted its allure by choosing something truth. He’s now inviting you to apply his ancient path to the modern culture war. In Truth Over Tribe, you will How tribalism makes your life miserableHow to lovingly resist when a tribe demands your allegianceHow to heal relationships fractured by tribalismHow to unite diverse communities How would your community change if you became a catalyst for Christlike unity? Rejecting tribalism is the first step.
213 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 4, 2022
82 people are currently reading
727 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
October 22, 2022
It's been sad to see how tribalism has gripped American society, but it's even sadder when that attitude has come into the church. "Truth Over Tribe" is a needed antidote to that toxin.
The book begins by describing the ways that tribalism hurts us: It wrecks relationships. It elevates anxiety. We become less honest to maintain tribal membership. Anyone "other" becomes a potential enemy. It impairs discernment.
The book also details the factors that make us prone to tribalism - Our brains, social media algorithms, subjectivity of truth, and insular community.
The authors then give very practical steps to break the tribalism cycle: Showing kindness and generosity, taking our allegiance to Jesus seriously, recognizing what we don't know and humbly admitting it, deliberately crossing tribal lines, listening, and getting a bigger view of body of Christ - "a worldwide tribe based on grace, not merit." (pg. 202)
I liked the honest writing and direct questions. No side of the aisle was exempt, and the seriousness of this problem wasn't minimized. I also appreciated the gracious tone the authors used throughout. In the epilogue, they address the reader who is defensive. Rather than mocking or condemning, they suggest that the person discuss this with someone they trust and be open to seeing the tribalism in their life. Most of all, I was encouraged that the book keeps pointing the reader back to Jesus, who hasn't stopped building his church and will not fail.
I will definitely be recommending and sharing "Truth Over Tribe."
The book begins by describing the ways that tribalism hurts us: It wrecks relationships. It elevates anxiety. We become less honest to maintain tribal membership. Anyone "other" becomes a potential enemy. It impairs discernment.
The book also details the factors that make us prone to tribalism - Our brains, social media algorithms, subjectivity of truth, and insular community.
The authors then give very practical steps to break the tribalism cycle: Showing kindness and generosity, taking our allegiance to Jesus seriously, recognizing what we don't know and humbly admitting it, deliberately crossing tribal lines, listening, and getting a bigger view of body of Christ - "a worldwide tribe based on grace, not merit." (pg. 202)
I liked the honest writing and direct questions. No side of the aisle was exempt, and the seriousness of this problem wasn't minimized. I also appreciated the gracious tone the authors used throughout. In the epilogue, they address the reader who is defensive. Rather than mocking or condemning, they suggest that the person discuss this with someone they trust and be open to seeing the tribalism in their life. Most of all, I was encouraged that the book keeps pointing the reader back to Jesus, who hasn't stopped building his church and will not fail.
I will definitely be recommending and sharing "Truth Over Tribe."
January 5, 2026
This book covers a topic near and dear to my heart, namely that neither major party's political platform is "Christian" and that significant alignment to either runs a high risk of misalignment to the Bible. (One of the reasons this topic is near and dear to my heart is the grief and frustration of being told very sincerely by others that a person *must* be a Republican to be a Christian. This experience has undoubtedly colored my perspective of tribalism in general and also this book, so take the following with that in mind.)
Unfortunately, I have to fall short of recommending this book because I'm not sure what it accomplishes. Any person who questions someone else's salvation on the basis of their political party affiliation is not going to be convinced of their tribalism by reading this book. In fact, I think some of the anecdotes used as illustrations potentially hurt the argument being made (depending on who the reader is).
I found plenty of helpful food for thought and a reaffirmation of my desire to build community within the body of Christ and on both sides of the political aisle. However, all of that content builds on my preexisting, default agreement with the premise of the book. Someone coming to this book with a sincerely held belief such as I described above is unlikely to walk away convicted based solely on the content written here. Obviously conviction can occur via any mechanism the Lord chooses to use, but, if I may be so bold, it would take an act of God to use this book to change minds.
In summary, I would recommend this book if you find yourself similarly politically homeless and grieving the divisiveness that results from political tribalism. If you think Christians should all be Republicans (or Democrats, for that matter), you are probably just going to find this book annoying.
Unfortunately, I have to fall short of recommending this book because I'm not sure what it accomplishes. Any person who questions someone else's salvation on the basis of their political party affiliation is not going to be convinced of their tribalism by reading this book. In fact, I think some of the anecdotes used as illustrations potentially hurt the argument being made (depending on who the reader is).
I found plenty of helpful food for thought and a reaffirmation of my desire to build community within the body of Christ and on both sides of the political aisle. However, all of that content builds on my preexisting, default agreement with the premise of the book. Someone coming to this book with a sincerely held belief such as I described above is unlikely to walk away convicted based solely on the content written here. Obviously conviction can occur via any mechanism the Lord chooses to use, but, if I may be so bold, it would take an act of God to use this book to change minds.
In summary, I would recommend this book if you find yourself similarly politically homeless and grieving the divisiveness that results from political tribalism. If you think Christians should all be Republicans (or Democrats, for that matter), you are probably just going to find this book annoying.
January 8, 2023
Genres: Nonfiction/Religion/Politics
Everything we are taught not to talk about at social gatherings is talked about here: Religion and Politics. What riles people up and gets them hot under the collar? Just pick one of those two topics.
I heard an interview with the author and I liked his message so I bought the book. I think there definitely needs to be more chatter about this because of the current political climate in the U.S. It is not only violently divisive, but it is full of name calling, mud slinging, and cheap theatrics. Sure fun to watch but sad too.
I liked the author's open mind and open heart approach. Can we all just agree to disagree without bringing the world to an end?
Everything we are taught not to talk about at social gatherings is talked about here: Religion and Politics. What riles people up and gets them hot under the collar? Just pick one of those two topics.
I heard an interview with the author and I liked his message so I bought the book. I think there definitely needs to be more chatter about this because of the current political climate in the U.S. It is not only violently divisive, but it is full of name calling, mud slinging, and cheap theatrics. Sure fun to watch but sad too.
I liked the author's open mind and open heart approach. Can we all just agree to disagree without bringing the world to an end?
August 15, 2024
I found this book to be a little repetitive and, in my opinion, states the obvious. I did not find the messaging to be radical or even challenging. I think part of the issue is that it has a lack of depth. It’s geared toward people who probably have (1) a very serious problem with political tribalism AND (2) pretty minimal knowledge of the Bible. The illustrations are mostly anecdotal, and I found myself wanting more Biblical references. I didn’t find their explanation of the gospel or usage of the Bible questionable (except for one part which I’ll get to); it was just a little low level. I am not the target audience for this book, clearly. I think a newer Christian might benefit from it, but a Christian who is further along in their spiritual walk won’t get anything out of it.
The passage interpretation I took issue with is Matthew 15:21-28. The way they explained it in the book was that this woman essentially caused Jesus to “change his mind” (their actual words). He listened to her thoughts and, because he is fully human, he could change and mature. I really hate that interpretation of Christ’s humanity. It makes him sound very wishy-washy or not truly omniscience.
Overall, I didn’t dislike the book; I just don’t think it’s as deep as it has the potential to be.
The passage interpretation I took issue with is Matthew 15:21-28. The way they explained it in the book was that this woman essentially caused Jesus to “change his mind” (their actual words). He listened to her thoughts and, because he is fully human, he could change and mature. I really hate that interpretation of Christ’s humanity. It makes him sound very wishy-washy or not truly omniscience.
Overall, I didn’t dislike the book; I just don’t think it’s as deep as it has the potential to be.
December 29, 2022
The sentiment at the heart of this book is so necessary, but much of this felt like it was very close to tipping into progressive Christianity
May 22, 2025
This is such an important book right now. The ability to place something else, someone else, as the central allegiance is refreshing… I don’t have to be pinned against those who have a different political opinion. Also, the idea that Jesus had his own Politic, was such an interesting idea, and one that will have me wondering what he would have thought about any specific policy or issue for years to come. I think it was probably borderline 4*/5*, but the significance of the topic and the importance of this conversation makes this a must read book right now.
October 15, 2022
Out of the 15 mostly nonfiction books I have read so far in 2022, this book is my favorite so far. I am a "Truth Over Tribe" podcast listener and though I do not always enjoy the contrarian interview/discussion style of the authors, I appreciate Patrick and Keith's hearts for edifying the body of Christ in how we should think biblically above all other lenses the world has to offer.
I had different expectations for this book before reading it. I thought it would be more contrarian and somewhat inflammatory (like the podcast can be at times). I thought it would be much more of a polemical work about how the Republican and Democratic parties miss the mark when it comes to a biblical worldview. I thought this would be a more theological book of how Christians should think about public policy. And I am glad that I was wrong.
The above topics are all well and good, but this book hits a sweet spot in an area that I didn't expect: it addresses how Christians love one another as the body of Christ despite the tribalism of this current cultural moment. Best of all, the book communicates this message in a loving, humble, and gracious way.
At times the book is more social science research than it is biblical references, making this book more accessible to even a secular audience. I can tell the authors did their homework in reading a ton of books about tribalism and the isolation of this current age.
I recommend this book to anyone, but especially Jesus followers who are seeking to understand the polarization of our cultural moment. I am grateful for the time and energy the authors put into this book and I hope there are more books to come (if the Holy Spirit leads). Blessings to you all!
I had different expectations for this book before reading it. I thought it would be more contrarian and somewhat inflammatory (like the podcast can be at times). I thought it would be much more of a polemical work about how the Republican and Democratic parties miss the mark when it comes to a biblical worldview. I thought this would be a more theological book of how Christians should think about public policy. And I am glad that I was wrong.
The above topics are all well and good, but this book hits a sweet spot in an area that I didn't expect: it addresses how Christians love one another as the body of Christ despite the tribalism of this current cultural moment. Best of all, the book communicates this message in a loving, humble, and gracious way.
At times the book is more social science research than it is biblical references, making this book more accessible to even a secular audience. I can tell the authors did their homework in reading a ton of books about tribalism and the isolation of this current age.
I recommend this book to anyone, but especially Jesus followers who are seeking to understand the polarization of our cultural moment. I am grateful for the time and energy the authors put into this book and I hope there are more books to come (if the Holy Spirit leads). Blessings to you all!
December 4, 2022
Since the 2016 presidential election, I have struggled with the way our country interacts with politics and especially how it has polarized us as a community. This book sheads light on our tendency to tribalize ourselves in all aspects of life (politically, socially, theologically, etc). Its solution is that we ultimately ascribe ourselves to the tribe of Jesus, where all are welcome, not bc of anything they have done but bc of who they are. I would highly recommend this read to anyone struggling with their view and feelings on being a Christian in a politically charged country.
March 8, 2024
I kinda sped through this one, and I feel like it will eventually deserve a second look.
I liked all of the concepts as they applied to ME. I think that I struggle terribly with tribalism and that I need to slow down, not be a know-it-all, and be willing to be friends with people on the other side.
That being said, I am not an oppressed person by any stretch of the imagination. There ARE people in the world who, when they think they are being attacked by another tribe, actually ARE being attacked by another tribe. I can see their need to stand up and protect themselves or their group.
I liked all of the concepts as they applied to ME. I think that I struggle terribly with tribalism and that I need to slow down, not be a know-it-all, and be willing to be friends with people on the other side.
That being said, I am not an oppressed person by any stretch of the imagination. There ARE people in the world who, when they think they are being attacked by another tribe, actually ARE being attacked by another tribe. I can see their need to stand up and protect themselves or their group.
May 9, 2023
Miller and Simon give a great devotional and practical outlook to politics. Our fervor for tribalism divides and drains us. There is nothing more important than our allegiance to Jesus and the unity we have with others. Christians should disagree well and have a diversity of viewpoints.
The big idea: The more politics becomes an idol, the more you separate from others
The big idea: The more politics becomes an idol, the more you separate from others
October 8, 2022
I give this one 5 stars because I gave "Compassion and Conviction" 4 stars and this puts legs on a number of concepts found in that book (my main issue [if you really even want to call it that] with that book). Read 'em both.
December 18, 2022
A very good and important book for Christians in America.
January 30, 2023
This one was not what I expected, but was really good. I anticipated a balanced presentation of various political issues through the lens of a Jesus-follower; instead, the book focused on critiquing the "US vs. THEM" mindset that causes people to be angry, judgmental, overconfident, and unwilling to change/listen, and how we can replace that tribalism with something better.
I am certain that this book will be criticized by some people for being "extremely pro-Republican" and by others for being "extremely pro-Democrat," which is good if you're trying to reach people across the political spectrum. I 100% agree that we'd all be a lot better off if we got away from our personal echo chambers and spent some time talking to people who think differently than we do. I had to take a star off for some...questionable Biblical exegesis in a few places.
"You conflate the lamb with the donkey or the elephant, believing that your party holds the key to God's kingdom. Aside from the fact that this breaks the first two commandments, this thinking is also overly simplistic. It is hopelessly naïve to expect any human system to approximate the kingdom of God...You must never allow your party's platform or interest to shape your ethics and beliefs more than Jesus' teachings do. Where your party leaves behind Jesus's politic and ethics, you must leave behind your party."
I am certain that this book will be criticized by some people for being "extremely pro-Republican" and by others for being "extremely pro-Democrat," which is good if you're trying to reach people across the political spectrum. I 100% agree that we'd all be a lot better off if we got away from our personal echo chambers and spent some time talking to people who think differently than we do. I had to take a star off for some...questionable Biblical exegesis in a few places.
"You conflate the lamb with the donkey or the elephant, believing that your party holds the key to God's kingdom. Aside from the fact that this breaks the first two commandments, this thinking is also overly simplistic. It is hopelessly naïve to expect any human system to approximate the kingdom of God...You must never allow your party's platform or interest to shape your ethics and beliefs more than Jesus' teachings do. Where your party leaves behind Jesus's politic and ethics, you must leave behind your party."
April 22, 2023
Updated thoughts:
This book needs to be read by people. I'm serious. And while I know those that are more anti-faith would not be inclined to pick it up, I wish they would. Because there is a reason why.
This is how I try to live my life and I feel like I found a book that encapsulates my political ideology.
I will own that I am a purple voter. After too many years (even though I am only in my early 30's) of being disillusioned by politics, I have started voting my conscience more. Where am I on the issues? Who stands up for what I want them to stand up for? That has begun to mean I have both donkeys and elephants represented on my ballot. And that's how it should be. I refuse to be a straight party voter anymore.
Because here's the thing. My loyalty to Christ matters more than my allegiance to Trump or to Biden, to AOC or MTG. Christ embodies me. Politics doesn't. And it is SO sad that people over the last few years have begun to be divided by politics. I want to find common ground with those that I do not ordinarily find common ground with. BECAUSE IT IS THERE!
I work in a library and usually, my personal beliefs do not always line up with expected schools of thought. However, I have many dear coworkers who I am polar opposite from, who do not hold to what I do, and yet, I can find some issue on which I agree. It might be just one. BUT THERE IS STILL ONE! Can we please as a society go back to open dialogue and discourse, hearing each other out?!
Heck I didn't agree with every theological view of the authors. But that's okay. I heard their message. I knew their hearts. I want people to be so inclined with me!
OLD Review:
I have way too many thoughts. Way too many quotes. Way too many opinions And people I need to shout out for while not being my usual tribe are people that I learn from and want in my life. Always.
So this review is gonna happen after vacation.
This book needs to be read by people. I'm serious. And while I know those that are more anti-faith would not be inclined to pick it up, I wish they would. Because there is a reason why.
This is how I try to live my life and I feel like I found a book that encapsulates my political ideology.
I will own that I am a purple voter. After too many years (even though I am only in my early 30's) of being disillusioned by politics, I have started voting my conscience more. Where am I on the issues? Who stands up for what I want them to stand up for? That has begun to mean I have both donkeys and elephants represented on my ballot. And that's how it should be. I refuse to be a straight party voter anymore.
Because here's the thing. My loyalty to Christ matters more than my allegiance to Trump or to Biden, to AOC or MTG. Christ embodies me. Politics doesn't. And it is SO sad that people over the last few years have begun to be divided by politics. I want to find common ground with those that I do not ordinarily find common ground with. BECAUSE IT IS THERE!
I work in a library and usually, my personal beliefs do not always line up with expected schools of thought. However, I have many dear coworkers who I am polar opposite from, who do not hold to what I do, and yet, I can find some issue on which I agree. It might be just one. BUT THERE IS STILL ONE! Can we please as a society go back to open dialogue and discourse, hearing each other out?!
Heck I didn't agree with every theological view of the authors. But that's okay. I heard their message. I knew their hearts. I want people to be so inclined with me!
OLD Review:
I have way too many thoughts. Way too many quotes. Way too many opinions And people I need to shout out for while not being my usual tribe are people that I learn from and want in my life. Always.
So this review is gonna happen after vacation.
April 12, 2025
This book is timely reflection on tribalism among Christians. It challenges the “us vs. them” mindset.
As I am a conservative, this book was at times uncomfortably progressive, but isn’t wrestling with different views the whole point?
It didn’t move me on my core political views, but it reminded me of the importance of listening & engaging in healthy discussions. It made me consider what social issues are Biblically defined and which are nuanced, and how that doesn’t have to divide believers into opposing groups. Most of all it emphasized how our allegiance as believers is to Christ and not any political group or leader. Amen! -check out their podcast by the same name.
“Don’t believe everything you think.”
“You won’t find your way back to Eden by reclaiming America’s Christian heritage and making America great again, fixing every social inequity, or creating racial harmony.”
“You must never allow your party’s platform or interest to shape your ethics and beliefs more than Jesus’s teaching to do.”
“You should feel more at home with people who share your faith than people who share your politics.”
As I am a conservative, this book was at times uncomfortably progressive, but isn’t wrestling with different views the whole point?
It didn’t move me on my core political views, but it reminded me of the importance of listening & engaging in healthy discussions. It made me consider what social issues are Biblically defined and which are nuanced, and how that doesn’t have to divide believers into opposing groups. Most of all it emphasized how our allegiance as believers is to Christ and not any political group or leader. Amen! -check out their podcast by the same name.
“Don’t believe everything you think.”
“You won’t find your way back to Eden by reclaiming America’s Christian heritage and making America great again, fixing every social inequity, or creating racial harmony.”
“You must never allow your party’s platform or interest to shape your ethics and beliefs more than Jesus’s teaching to do.”
“You should feel more at home with people who share your faith than people who share your politics.”
November 28, 2023
"Jesus knows what we really need: relationships with people who disagree with us." This was an easy and insightful read that theologically and practically makes the call for humility. God calls us to unify, rather than divide over politics, believing the best in people who are working for the good of the city.
"We all like looking omni-intelligent, omni-knowing, and omni-correct. But God, the only truly omniscient one, did not design us that way. God designed you to have limits. He designed you not to know. He designed you to discover. To learn. To rethink. To explore. When God gave Adam and Eve the mission to expand Eden, he implicitly gave them a calling to make new discoveries, build new things, and learn new ideas. God made you to be you, not God. So embrace your limits. You've got an eternity of learning (and rethinking) ahead of you."
"We all like looking omni-intelligent, omni-knowing, and omni-correct. But God, the only truly omniscient one, did not design us that way. God designed you to have limits. He designed you not to know. He designed you to discover. To learn. To rethink. To explore. When God gave Adam and Eve the mission to expand Eden, he implicitly gave them a calling to make new discoveries, build new things, and learn new ideas. God made you to be you, not God. So embrace your limits. You've got an eternity of learning (and rethinking) ahead of you."
September 5, 2024
Cross tribal boundaries, admit what you don’t know, listen to others, show radical generosity, and give the gift of kindness to your enemies
A hopeful, inspiring book about basic concepts that you need to continually be reminded of, or maybe some that you didn’t know but that are freeing to learn
A hopeful, inspiring book about basic concepts that you need to continually be reminded of, or maybe some that you didn’t know but that are freeing to learn
April 26, 2023
This is a profoundly needed book for the American Church. I had listened to a few episodes of the podcast “Truth Over Tribe” and was encouraged so I wanted to check out this book. As I have continued to see a more and more divided nation and Church I have craved prophetic voices that can call people to a higher calling than political tribal allegiance. This book challenged my own biases and political leanings while simultaneously stirred my faith and affirmed my sense of calling towards political stewardship as faithful Christian witness. I cannot recommend this book enough to anyone who finds identity in Christ and lives in the politicized western world.
March 14, 2025
Very enlightening!
November 12, 2022
An excellent presentation of how we got here, why we are so inclined toward tribalism, how it is harming us, and how we can seek a better way.
November 24, 2022
This book spoke to me deeply - my allegiance is to Jesus, not a political party. That means my priorities will differ from any one political “tribe”. Highly recommended.
August 16, 2024
I first heard this author’s podcast when he interviewed someone whose book changed my life: Beth Allison Barr who wrote “The Making of Biblical Womanhood.” I liked the interview because he seemed to support most of her views even though he did mention a couple of times that he didn’t think women should be ordained in the church (but it was fine if they preached 😯). This was now 2 years ago and at that time it didn’t bother me that he wasn’t ok with women being ordained, though I thought it was odd that he thought they could preach.
I listened to a few more of his podcasts and loved the idea of some sort of middle ground. I’d never felt like I identified well with either democrats or republicans and so this appealed to me. So when he came out with a podcast on abortion, I was excited to hear his views seeing as I was struggling with the attitude of many pro-lifers, but still didn’t identity with pro-choicers. I was very disappointed in that podcast. They started off the podcast making the assumption that abortion was 100% wrong and there was no further discussion on the validity of that. This bothered me given the fact that they like to say they’re middle of the road and give both sides an equal voice. Truth over tribe? Yes. But only if it’s their truth.
Then I listened to another podcast about the biblical approach to LGBTQ matters, and they had a guest on the podcast who identified as being queer, but also thought it was wrong. I remember listening to this poor person and feeling so bad for them. It was like this podcast found the perfect queer questioner and took advantage of them. And it really upset me. For all their talk of being unbiased they were clearly biased. Far more conservative right than anything else. So I stopped listening to the podcast.
I picked up this book because I thought, maybe I can get it from the horse’s mouth. To be honest with you, a small part of me is desperately trying to redeem conservative evangelicalism. I’m looking around at the crumbling of conservative evangelicalism - not necessarily as a whole (thought that argument could also be made), but they are crumbling away in my mind. They obsess over straining out a gnat and swallowing a camel, barely able to see past the gigantic log they won’t even acknowledge. It’s making me very angry but also breaking my heart. We know better. We should know better.
This book isn’t awful. But it’s at best, lazy writing and at worst manipulatively subtle. I’ll be honest - I did not even finish it. I just didn’t have the patience for it - got about halfway through. Every now and then the author hits on an excellent point, but the amount of lazy writing and agendas between the lines is just not worth it. From my perspective, he oversimplifies tribes so he can bring his “truth” into the equation. You’re not bringing truth, dude. Just a different tribe. And really not that different from the far religious right. I have a lot more I could say about his specific examples and ways he chooses to portray tribalism and then bring the antidote. I wish life was as simple and straightforward as he paints it, but it’s not. And I think he knows it because how does he not? And that irritates me as then this just feels like a money grab book deal. I think he’s probably a better pastor than the average right leaning patriarchal evangelical, but he’s fooling himself if he thinks he’s a fair bystander to the right and the left.
However, since I don’t like the book, I’m sure they’ll just pat themselves on the back and tell themselves they’re doing something right. That’s another huge fallacy of the right… thinking that resistance or dislike equals some sort of spiritual persecution. Don’t get me started.
I listened to a few more of his podcasts and loved the idea of some sort of middle ground. I’d never felt like I identified well with either democrats or republicans and so this appealed to me. So when he came out with a podcast on abortion, I was excited to hear his views seeing as I was struggling with the attitude of many pro-lifers, but still didn’t identity with pro-choicers. I was very disappointed in that podcast. They started off the podcast making the assumption that abortion was 100% wrong and there was no further discussion on the validity of that. This bothered me given the fact that they like to say they’re middle of the road and give both sides an equal voice. Truth over tribe? Yes. But only if it’s their truth.
Then I listened to another podcast about the biblical approach to LGBTQ matters, and they had a guest on the podcast who identified as being queer, but also thought it was wrong. I remember listening to this poor person and feeling so bad for them. It was like this podcast found the perfect queer questioner and took advantage of them. And it really upset me. For all their talk of being unbiased they were clearly biased. Far more conservative right than anything else. So I stopped listening to the podcast.
I picked up this book because I thought, maybe I can get it from the horse’s mouth. To be honest with you, a small part of me is desperately trying to redeem conservative evangelicalism. I’m looking around at the crumbling of conservative evangelicalism - not necessarily as a whole (thought that argument could also be made), but they are crumbling away in my mind. They obsess over straining out a gnat and swallowing a camel, barely able to see past the gigantic log they won’t even acknowledge. It’s making me very angry but also breaking my heart. We know better. We should know better.
This book isn’t awful. But it’s at best, lazy writing and at worst manipulatively subtle. I’ll be honest - I did not even finish it. I just didn’t have the patience for it - got about halfway through. Every now and then the author hits on an excellent point, but the amount of lazy writing and agendas between the lines is just not worth it. From my perspective, he oversimplifies tribes so he can bring his “truth” into the equation. You’re not bringing truth, dude. Just a different tribe. And really not that different from the far religious right. I have a lot more I could say about his specific examples and ways he chooses to portray tribalism and then bring the antidote. I wish life was as simple and straightforward as he paints it, but it’s not. And I think he knows it because how does he not? And that irritates me as then this just feels like a money grab book deal. I think he’s probably a better pastor than the average right leaning patriarchal evangelical, but he’s fooling himself if he thinks he’s a fair bystander to the right and the left.
However, since I don’t like the book, I’m sure they’ll just pat themselves on the back and tell themselves they’re doing something right. That’s another huge fallacy of the right… thinking that resistance or dislike equals some sort of spiritual persecution. Don’t get me started.
November 2, 2022
Helped me spot tribalism in my own life and helped me process how to move Jesus to his rightful place and headship of my life.
November 20, 2022
Interesting Read
I bought the book for the title. I believe there is a truth, so that alone puts me in a tribe. But that truth means everyone belongs. Which also puts me in a tribe. I’ve worshiped for years and dear friends with those who think, vote and believe different from me. So these last few years and been strange. It’s the anger that the tribes have developed over the years that is troubling. Love over politics. But that also puts me in a tribe. I’m not sure there is a way out of tribalism. The authors trie to lay a road, but it felt to me they landed still in a tribe.
I left with more questions after reading this book. May a day come soon when the different tribes will no longer be at war.
I bought the book for the title. I believe there is a truth, so that alone puts me in a tribe. But that truth means everyone belongs. Which also puts me in a tribe. I’ve worshiped for years and dear friends with those who think, vote and believe different from me. So these last few years and been strange. It’s the anger that the tribes have developed over the years that is troubling. Love over politics. But that also puts me in a tribe. I’m not sure there is a way out of tribalism. The authors trie to lay a road, but it felt to me they landed still in a tribe.
I left with more questions after reading this book. May a day come soon when the different tribes will no longer be at war.
February 23, 2023
This book was nothing short of amazing.
Personally, it gave me so many helpful insights and explained in simple words how to handle this countries pandemic of tribalism.
Christian or not, I think this book should be read by the masses.
Now, getting into the technicalities, this book was written very well. Like I said previously, I was not confused or had a hard time understanding parts of this book, anyone could read and understand this book, which is a huge positive when addressing such new issues like this book has done.
A few notes regarding the performance, there was a part in the audiobook near chapter 4, I believe, where the narrator just completely cuts out in the middle of the sentence. Not sure if this is something that could be fixed, but it caused me to lose the point that was being made in that section of the book.
Overall, definitely worth a read, despite some technical issues, the passion, proper information, and faith is there, ultimately bringing so much power to this book and it's purpose.
Personally, it gave me so many helpful insights and explained in simple words how to handle this countries pandemic of tribalism.
Christian or not, I think this book should be read by the masses.
Now, getting into the technicalities, this book was written very well. Like I said previously, I was not confused or had a hard time understanding parts of this book, anyone could read and understand this book, which is a huge positive when addressing such new issues like this book has done.
A few notes regarding the performance, there was a part in the audiobook near chapter 4, I believe, where the narrator just completely cuts out in the middle of the sentence. Not sure if this is something that could be fixed, but it caused me to lose the point that was being made in that section of the book.
Overall, definitely worth a read, despite some technical issues, the passion, proper information, and faith is there, ultimately bringing so much power to this book and it's purpose.
July 18, 2023
This book was written in a simple, conversational tone with personal anecdotes and examples. Very easy to read.
As for the message; the first part of the book is to convince you that tribalism is wrong, the second tells why we act "tribal," the third gives some specific advice for the Christian about how to leave tribalism behind.
During the first and second parts, I heartily agreed with most of it. I found myself wishing the entire church of America already knew and agreed with these things, but also I felt that I couldn't think of which christians I could recommend the book to that wouldnt assume that "it didn't apply to them." I wondered where my own blind spots were but didn't really have super great revelations personally. (I really am committed to non-partisanship, so maybe this was preaching to the choir for me.)
The third part was really the best, most encouraging part of the book. I loved the concrete examples and challenges about to to display allegiance to the lamb.
As for the message; the first part of the book is to convince you that tribalism is wrong, the second tells why we act "tribal," the third gives some specific advice for the Christian about how to leave tribalism behind.
During the first and second parts, I heartily agreed with most of it. I found myself wishing the entire church of America already knew and agreed with these things, but also I felt that I couldn't think of which christians I could recommend the book to that wouldnt assume that "it didn't apply to them." I wondered where my own blind spots were but didn't really have super great revelations personally. (I really am committed to non-partisanship, so maybe this was preaching to the choir for me.)
The third part was really the best, most encouraging part of the book. I loved the concrete examples and challenges about to to display allegiance to the lamb.
February 27, 2023
Instincts tell us to navigate to our tribe, where we will remain comfortable and confident. Our society has various tribes of opinion, ideology, thought, and practice. When hard-pressed, we fight for the rights and views of our tribes while dehumanizing those that oppose us. The Kingdom of Jesus shows another way in a polarized and divided society. Our allegiance isn't to a political party or platform but to a king who turned the world upside down with a new kind of ethic and love. This kingdom is one of humility and grace, not spiritual blindness that assumes superiority in intellect. This multi-ethnic and multi-lingual kingdom worships a King who tore down the walls of division. So as believers on this side of heaven, we pay our allegiance to King Jesus and show the highest loyalty to him.
April 30, 2023
The 2020s have so far been largely characterised by political division and Christians have been sucked into that kind of tribalism just as much as anyone else. This book is exactly what we need for such a time as this. I hugely appreciated the message of this book that Jesus calls us to something so much greater than allegiance to a particular political party. We must stop demonising those who have different viewpoints and remember that Jesus not only loves, but died for those people too. Moreover, our hope is found in Christ, not in our party’s political victory. 100 percent recommend to all Christians, whether you are on the right or the left. The author leaves no stone unturned and equally challenges both those who are liberal and those who are conservative.
Prepare to be super convicted and inspired to leave tribalism behind for the tribe of Jesus.
Prepare to be super convicted and inspired to leave tribalism behind for the tribe of Jesus.
November 28, 2022
This is an awesome book that discusses polarization between different camps, or "tribes," that we've been observing in online discourse or our daily lives. The two authors are pastors of a local church where I live, so I am familiar with the events and places mentioned in their examples, making the book pretty fun to read. The book centers on Jesus as the answer to our polarization problems. When Christians follow Jesus above everything else, we create a loving, supportive space for a tribe that doesn't shy away from or devalue intelligent exchange of differing opinions. The discussion questions at the end of each chapter are really well thought out. I checked out this book from the library but I'm probably going to buy a copy because this is great small group material.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews