Politics for People Who Hate Politics: How to Engage without Losing Your Friends or Selling Your Soul

by Denise Grace Gitsham

Politics that Unite Rather than Divide

Politics can be infuriating. From unjust policies to unholy politicians, there are justifiable reasons to be upset or walk away altogether. Yet we must stay involved if we are to protect and sustain our fragile nation from the divisions that threaten it.

With more than two decades of experience working in the highest levels of government, insider Denise Grace Gitsham offers a remedy to America's dark political Christians filled with light, love, and Christ's heart for unity. With spiritual insights, hard-earned political lessons, and practical advice, she helps you engage with wisdom and discernment, loving those you disagree with while standing firm on God's truth.

As citizens of heaven, we can engage in politics God's with the countercultural love, integrity, and unity that will heal our land.

"Denise Grace Gitsham reminds us that our convictions should never come before the divine call to love and unify. This is a book that every Christian must read."--ARTHUR C. BROOKS, professor, Harvard Kennedy School and Harvard Business School, #1 New York Times bestselling author

"Denise has written a refreshing and self-critical reflection on her own life in politics and why it is so important for people of faith to be willing to put their calling to heal our nation above their partisan loyalties."--SENATOR CHRIS COONS

Genres: Nonfiction, Politics, Christian

229 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 14, 2023

Reviews

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not one to read political books, but I was first drawn in by the title alone. I think everyone should read this book. I loved the scripture references and the honesty of the author. We’re never going to solve the hate until we can learn to love and that all points to God.

[Rachael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Before this is a political book, it's really a Christian book; it won't tell you how to vote, but it will tell you to put God and people first, even when the people disagree with you. The author describes a lot of her political experience--what she's done well, what she's royally messed up, where she struggles, and what she does to keep grounded.

I think the author did a good job of showing where her experience comes from--the Republican party--without pushing their agenda; she's clearly personally biased toward it, but she doesn't ever say that the reader needs to be too. And she makes a point that while she is Republican, the church is equally divided between Republicans and Democrats, and to be a Christian doesn't mean that you must be in a specific party.

I wouldn't have minded some more practical tips; there's a lot of good content that could just about be used for a bible study, but the everyday actionable tips really only came in the final chapter. For the most part, the tips were for dealing with people more so than what I'd consider politics (granted, I'll put relationships over politics any day). However, I was hoping for some easier hints on the navigating politics part than research, research, research. I'm still not sure how to vote when no candidate measures up. But I think the author was also trying not to let her natural biases push her out of the neutrality (and unity) she's aiming for.

[Emily Pryor · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh. Was hoping this would be more practical navigation of how to manage daily conversations and interactions with people. I am often faced with people who have absolutely crazy political views that incise me and I guess WWJD helps but wish it would have gone a lot deeper. Not crazy at all about her personal political background and the fact that she basically said she was a mindless talking head for the Republican Party turned me off. Great idea for a book just not effective in my opinion.

[Nicholas Pickard · Rating 2 out of 5]

I should have researched more before purchasing. This book is HEAVILY based on Christianity. Talks more about god than actual politics. The title actually doesn’t make much sense at all. I do appreciate the authors way of thinking about trying to bring more unity in politics instead of us all hating one another over political beliefs. That’s why I’m giving a 2 star.

[Meredith Shaddix]

Incredibly scripture-based full of reminders, perspectives, and stories to help exactly those of us that have written off politics because of politicians and political conversations. We DO have a role to play, and we have a calling to play that role well. Go Denise. This book needed to be written.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

Appreciated the author's calling herself out as much as she called out her readers.
Questions at the end of each chapter are pertinent and provide for reflection.
The prayers at each chapter end are specific and get to the heart of each issue addressed.