Uncommon Unity: Wisdom for the Church in an Age of Division

by Richard Lints, Timothy J. Keller (Foreword)

Our world is facing increasing hostilities. Political and cultural differences rage, even among people who otherwise show goodwill. And the church is no stranger to extreme polarization, theological backbiting, and political squabbling. Jesus’s prayer in John 17―that the church be one as he and the Father are one―seems increasingly unattainable.

But what if Scripture actually provides the key for thinking about unity in diversity?

In Uncommon Unity: Wisdom for the Church in an Age of Division, Richard Lints explores the nature of diversity and how Christians can think more clearly about unity in an increasingly polarized age. Drawing on theological, historical, and sociological resources, Lints exposes problems with the inclusion narrative of democracy and shows a better way forward for fostering unity in the midst of extreme diversity. If we are to think rightly about diversity, wisdom is required for the church in our late modern world. Through wisdom, Christians can display real unity in diversity and bear witness of the God who made them for himself as diverse members of his one body.

Readers of Uncommon Unity will be heartened that Scripture and Christian tradition provide an antidote to division.

Genres: Theology, Christian

283 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2022

Reviews

[Robert D. Cornwall]

Unity among the churches is the vision of Jesus, for the church is the body of Christ. As such, unity should be our goal. Now, the truth is that we have rarely experienced true unity in the church. Still, it is a goal to be pursued. Richard Lints attempts to do this, at least in an evangelical context. There is much to like about the book. However, it's also both doctrinally and politically conservative in its orientation. Thus, while a helpful word about unity it does have its limitations.

[Jonathan Brooker]

We've all heard someone at some point exclaim "Why can't we all just get along?!" And what Richard Lints has done here is to painstakingly provide the reader with a brilliantly researched and prepared argument that involves history, sociology, as well as theology to essentially come to bear on answering that simplistic question. But not just answering it; he also provides meaningful challenges to the church for what Christ has called her to be in the midst of the varied challenges we face when it comes to unity and getting along. As a whole, this book is a gem of a treatise for how Christians ought to better understand disunity and healthily accomplish greater unity.

There are also a great deal of valuable insights given regarding how the church has been impacted by American government structure and social development, and how it also ought to respond healthily as it recognizes some of those impacts.

All in all, I highlighted quite a lot in this book. Had many moments where Lints illuminated things I had either never known or not seen quite so clearly. But perhaps most importantly, the messages of this book could hardly be more timely. We are, as the subtitle states, in an age of division. For that reason, I wish I could somehow make this book required reading for every Christian. Division is far too serious to Jesus to have it running as rampantly through our churches, communities, and friendships as it still does. I hope this book continues to be read and be a help to the Church in combating that tendency.

[John]

An excellent book, especially if you like a historical-sociological Christian look at diversity in churches, mainly in America. For me, that is actually a slight negative, as sociology is often quite dull and American church history is not what I read that much, but what this book also is - is an analysis of that, giving us some good illustrations and examples of how diversity has been and also has become to be viewed within church and a politically loaded landscape that church has not escape, but rather embraced. I liked best those small parts here and there that did not quite fit the book, like the part on the Imago Dei(which Lins has written a book on, so no wonder it is represented here fittingly so), or the last chapter that focused on Wisdom and wisdom's role in bridging the divides. Somehow, the book, through it all, was easy to read and engaged me sufficiently to enjoy it through and through, even if I may not be the target audience for it.

[Kaelyn]

Read for ST350. A mix between a history, sociology, and theology book. It was tough to get into at first as he switches his focus between the 3, but it was a worthwhile read as everything started to come together at the end. Some key points were 1. Democracy does not inherently protect diversity (of all facets, not just racial) and 2. Christianity provides a unifying framework for protecting and embracing difference. That unity might not always feel obtainable, but it is undeniably a key part of God's design for the world.

[John Nash]

Great historical sketch of American Evangelicalism. A lot to learn of the heritage for those who embrace this tradition if they’re going to move forward with it.