Challenging Conversations Lib/E: A Practical Guide to Discuss Controversial Topics in the Church

by Jason Jimenez

When was the last time you had an honest, heartfelt, yet kind and productive conversation with someone about depression, mental illness, substance abuse, pornography, premarital sex, racism, divorce, abortion, LGBT issues, or politics? Our tendency is either to avoid talking about such volatile topics at all--even with other Christians--or to go on the attack, causing rifts that do nothing to encourage further discussion or growth.

If you're tired of avoiding tough conversations, if you want to be a light in a dark world but you're not sure how, Challenging Conversations is the book you've been waiting for. With straightforward answers to some of the most challenging moral issues disrupting the church, this book will help you build your confidence using three simple steps to becoming a conversant Christian. Each chapter begins with a true story, clarifies misconceptions and misunderstandings about the subject, and equips you to build rapport, ask the right questions, find points of agreement, and take the next fruitful step in the relationship. Because even if we disagree on a moral issue, that shouldn't make us mortal enemies.

Genres: Nonfiction, Christian, Communication

Audio CD

Published October 27, 2020

Reviews

[Central · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of great insight but it was not what I thought. I felt it was more about why conversations could be challenging and how we need to view controversial subjects and less about how to handle conversations with others. Also, for the parts that focused on the conversation piece, it seemed to include a lot of suggestions that would not happen in real life. The author assumes that people would be willing to hit something head on versus needing a way to ‘creep’ into the conversation. If they were willing to hit things head on, they wouldn’t be reading this book. Also I wonder if that strategy is the most effective. Sin is steps down incrementally. Asking someone to jump all the way back up is too much like the problems we face in the church now. It’s that old “let me set you straight so you can get right with God”. That tactic hasn’t worked on a broad scale in my opinion. You cannot arm wrestle many people into righteousness.

Also he seemed to have a few wagging his finger moments and yet didn’t seem to identify his own short comings.

With all that said, there were definitely nuggets I took away and notated. If you go into this with the mindset that the book is more about identifying problems within the church versus communicating with those that disagree with you, this book is worth the read.

[Rachael Posley · Rating 5 out of 5]

When the church shys away from critical conversations, the name of Jesus is not lifted as high as it could be. Brian Jimenez gives a 3 point framework when approaching cultural issues with those both inside and outside the faith: relate, investigate and translate. “As Iron sharpens Iron so one man sharpens another” (Proverbs 27:17). The cost of discipleship is too great and our world is too lost for Christians not to get their hands dirty with the issues that plague their time. What amazing truth and a much needed wake up call! Walk slow with this one. You’ll want to soak in and take to heart every word!

fave quotes:
“You cannot afford to let discomfort inhibit you from being real and truthful”

“If you preach the gospel in all aspects with the exception of the issues which deal specifically with your time, you are not preaching the gospel at all” - Martin Luther

“Holiness should not be measured from our viewpoint but from the standpoint of who God is”

“We may reject a persons stance, but we are not called by God to reject the person”

[Jillian · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book couldn’t have come in a more timely manner. Many people are too scared to speak their minds or they are too busy being a bully in an argument. This book calls all of us to be advocates, to ask questions that guide to the truth and speak with love. This book is written from a Christian perspective and I think that many who are not Christian could greatly benefit from reading the first chapter. That you can find for free at this link. https://www.challengingconversations.... What I love about this book is that it is truthful and full of grace. We are going to struggle having these conversations, but we have to try anyway. This book covers hard topics including abortion, politics, mental health, racism, and more.

[Bethany L · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book helped me develop a basic foundation for charged topics that are difficult to have conversations, as well as encouraged me to start having these conversations. I personally find these subjects difficult to talk about because I want to have all the answers first, but this prevents me from ever talking about these subjects. After reading this book though, I feel more comfortable starting to have these conversations as I keenly feel God’s call to minister.

[Danielle Hardy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an important read for today's Christ follower. All controversial topics were approached through the Truth filled Biblical lens. The book had excellent points to be able to interact with the insanity going on in today's world.

On a side note, I really appreciated the brief current history of abortion.

[James Swanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are looking for a book to help you understand how to discuss some of the controversial topics of the day, this one is worth reading. The author holds to a gospel centered view and shares some tips on how to have an open dialogue with others who might hold a different view.

[Cristy Enns · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book!! I bought this book after hearing the author speak at a Christian conference and I’m so glad I did. This is full of practical incite on how to engage our culture for Christ. A must-read!

[Sherry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoughtful overview of a lot of hard topics.

[Mayda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keeping on my shelf for reference. Excellent

[Katie George · Rating 3 out of 5]

Spotted in the downtown Salt Lake City public library with Zach in November 2023. Didn’t start reading until now. Average.

[Angela Ruach · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book that helps you work on our tolerance and wisdom when engaging conversations based on difficult topics.

[Aaron Klemm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jason Jimenez does an excellent job helping readers understand the need to love not only the truth but the other person we are attempting to share the truth with. In an age where name-calling and slander seem to be the best ways to get yourself heard, Jason proposes a different option—sharing the truth while exemplifying unconditional love even in the midst of today's most difficult conversations. I'm thankful for the practical, biblical teaching throughout the pages of this book.

[Diane Busch · Rating 4 out of 5]

This would be a great book for a pastor or counselor. The author addresses many specific situations and topics that can cause controversy even among christians, such as pre-marital sex, same sex attraction and homosexuality, and abortion.
It would be a great reference book to have on hand.