Peacemaking is the mission of God, so it should also be the vocation of his people. But do we know what it means to be makers of peace? Jon Huckins and Jer Swigart offer a theologically compelling, richly personal, and intensely practical set of tools that equip us to join God in the restoration of broken relationships, unjust systems, and global conflicts.
If you feel that the current political divisions are harming our country, this book is for you because it provides a science-based, stepwise, approach to build constructive partisanship and re-learn how to engage with and live with political disagreements. Because its approach appeals to our reason as well as our emotions those who reviewed this book found it "transformative."
Recent times have put a spotlight on the inequities, systems of oppression, and deep divisions in our society. Much has been written that acknowledges and describes racial, political, religious, and other divides, but there is little practical information on what can be done about them. How to Heal Our Divides highlights organizations that are taking real action to address these issues and heal divides in effective and practical ways. Take a look to see how you can help make the world a better place.Reviews"Jesus' final prayer with his disciples (John 17) asked for one thing: that we his followers demonstrate a profound unity that will both convict and attract the watching world. In this time of deep division, this book shows how to do exactly that."- Philip Yancey, author of "What's So Amazing About Grace""Creed and community remind me that changing habits is hard, and practicing solidarity involves wrestling with my own failures. But, with the help of others, each one of us can mend the fault lines in our own lives and lend our hands to repair the world. Read these essays and discover you are not alone. You have friends, co-workers, mentors, and guides for the way." - Diana Butler Bass, author of "Freeing Jesus" "Grateful" and "Grounded""A brilliant and loving collection of real stories, "How to Heal Our Divides" shows what brave, humble people are doing all over the world to heal hurt and build bridges to restoration and peace. With inspiration on every page--written by some of the world's most renowned authors--here's a source of hope and healing that arrives just when we need it most." - Patricia Raybon, award-winning author of "My First White Friend: Reflections on Race, Love and Forgiveness" and "Undivided: A Muslim Daughter, Her Christian Mother, Their Path to Peace""This volume brings together a diverse team of creative practitioners of un-division. All of these practitioners are translating peace-making theory into practice on the street, in the neighborhood, and in the human heart. Not only that, but they are developing and revising theory through their practice. That's what makes each contribution so powerful."- Brian McLaren, author of "Faith After Doubt: Why Your Beliefs Stopped Working and What to Do About It""For twenty-five years, the Center for Courage & Renewal has helped people reclaim the wholeness that is everyone's birthright gift, so they can bring their identity and integrity more fully into their personal, vocational, and public lives. I am happy to participate in 'How to Heal Our Divides' to come alongside other organizations working with similar goals."- Parker J. Palmer, Founder and Senior Partner Emeritus of the Center for Courage & Renewal"A vast book of diverse and accessible ideas the world needs right now!"- Mark Schaefer, author of "Cumulative Advantage""Filled with strong and hopeful voices, How to Heal Our Divides is a book that recognizes it will take more than a Kumbaya moment to bring wholeness to our society. It does the hard work of bringing civil discourse to the page in a way that shows us it is possible to talk even when we don't agree. The healing will begin from there." - Sophfronia Scott, author of "The Seeker and the Monk: Everyday Conversations with Thomas Merton""Projects like the ones in this book are healing the world. My own work as an activist has been shaped by stories like the ones in this book. This is holy work we are doing. It begins with humility."- Shane Claiborne, leader of Red Letter Christians
Recent years have seen a meteoric rise in the power and importance of organized religion in many parts of the world. At the same time, there has been a significant increase in violence perpetrated in the name of religion. While much has been written on the relationship between violence and religious militancy, history shows that religious people have also played a critical role in peacemaking within numerous cultures. In the new century, will religion bring upon further catastrophes? Or will it provide human civilization with methods of care, healing, and the creation of peaceful and just societies? In this groundbreaking book, Marc Gopin integrates the study of religion with the study of conflict resolution. He argues that religion can play a critical role in constructing a global community of shared moral commitments and vision--a community that can limit conflict to its nonviolent, constructive variety. If we examine religious myths and moral traditions, Gopin argues, we can understand why and when religious people come to violence, and why and when they become staunch peacemakers. He shows that it is the conservative expression of most religious traditions that presents the largest challenge in terms of peace and conflict. Gopin considers ways to construct traditional paradigms that are committed to peacemaking on a deep level and offers such a paradigm for the case of Judaism. Throughout, Gopin emphasizes that developing the potential of the world's religions for coping with conflict demands a conscious process on the part of peacemakers and theologians. His innovative and carefully argued study also offers a broad set of recommendations for policy planners both inside and outside of government.
In a culture that says bigger is better, it is subversive work to take tiny, lasting steps toward learning and growth. In 12 Tiny Things Ellie Roscher and Heidi Barr journey with us through twelve essential areas of life: space, work, spirituality, food, style, nature, communication, home, sensuality, creativity, learning, and community. In each of these areas, we are invited to take one tiny action that is sure to open up growth and renewal. 12 Tiny Things guides us in curating a spiritual practice that promotes a more reflective, rooted, and intentional life. Regardless of how the ground feels underneath your feet, trust that there are roots there to tend. By trying on one tiny thing at a time, you can slowly, deliberately, and playfully remember who you are. You can nourish that being with tenderness. Together, we will reach and grow toward the sun.
EVER WONDERED WHY PEOPLE REALLY DO WHAT THEY DO? (AND WHAT WE COULD ACCOMPLISH IF WE ONLY KNEW?) We need a clear-eyed look at what’s happening in society right now. Social systems are being undermined, or failing, before our eyes. The trust that we once had in organizations, corporations, journalism, education, science, medicine, government—and even one another—is compromised. People are feeling isolated and alone. How do we move forward as a society? How can we connect with and understand one another? How do we find productive ways to communicate, meeting those we are trying to reach where they are and speaking to what’s important to them? And how do we have robust and productive dialogue that (re)builds meaningful, supportive, and resilient relationships and institutions? Bob Raleigh suggests that any approach must start by understanding the why. The Search for Why compellingly demonstrates that we need a better model and follows Raleigh on his career journey to find one. In this book, Raleigh draws on his decades of experience in market research and public-communication strategy, the possibilities of our contemporary era of big data, and groundbreaking research from psychology, cognitive and behavioral sciences, anthropology, sociology, and philosophy, all of which have informed the Model of Why approach that he proposes. For anyone looking to persuade people, heal divisions, or build better relationships, The Search for Why is a crucial step in the right direction.
Use this spiritual guide to equip yourself with the tools needed to tear down anxiety and build inner peace. Spiritual people often find that their own expectations of living a life dedicated to a higher power makes them more susceptible to high-functioning anxiety. Sometimes, traditional relaxation techniques either do not work, don’t last, or, in some cases, actually increase their anxiety. Psychotherapist, yoga teacher, and interfaith minister Rev. Connie L. Habash has helped hundreds of spiritual people overcome fear and anxiety, regain happiness, and feel calmer. In over twenty-five years as a counselor helping spiritual people overcome anxiety, Rev. Connie has taught that it takes more than chanting mantras, stretching, or relaxation techniques to calm anxiety. It requires a transformation in perception, moment-to-moment body awareness, and a conscious response to thoughts and emotions. Awakening from Anxiety provides valuable psycho-spiritual tools to deepen spiritual awakening and calm fears:Learn what anxiety is and when it becomes a problemUnderstand the six mistakes spiritual people make that increase anxietyDiscover the seven keys to a more calm, confident, courageous lifeKnow how to break through the old patterns of stress, worry, and fear into a new perception of your true selfExplore spiritual principles and yoga philosophy to cultivate inner peace If you enjoyed Stop Anxiety from Stopping You and First, We Make the Beast Beautiful, Awakening from Anxiety will take your healing and renewal from anxiety to the next level. “A book I will recommend to many for both practical advice and spiritual insights for handling stress, worry, and anxiety.”?Becca Anderson, author of Prayers for Calm
The partisan divide in the United States has widened to a chasm. Legislators vote along party lines and rarely cross the aisle. Political polarization is personal, too—and it is making us miserable. Surveys show that Americans have become more fearful and hateful of supporters of the opposing political party and imagine that they hold much more extreme views than they actually do. We have cordoned ourselves off: we prefer to date and marry those with similar opinions and are less willing to spend time with people on the other side. How can we loosen the grip of this toxic polarization and start working on our most pressing problems? The Way Out offers an escape from this morass. The social psychologist Peter T. Coleman explores how conflict resolution and complexity science provide guidance for dealing with seemingly intractable political differences. Deploying the concept of attractors in dynamical systems, he explains why we are stuck in this rut as well as the unexpected ways that deeply rooted oppositions can and do change. Coleman meticulously details principles and practices for navigating and healing the difficult divides in our homes, workplaces, and communities, blending compelling personal accounts from his years of working on entrenched conflicts with lessons from leading-edge research. The Way Out is a vital and timely guide to breaking free from the cycle of mutual contempt in order to better our lives, relationships, and country.
