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I received The Art of Disagreeing compliments of The Good Book Company in exchange for my honest review.
The Art of Disagreeing is the latest title by pastor and author Gavin Ortlund. This book is essentially a primer for Christians on how to disagree well. Ortlund begins the book by acknowledging how the world is often vitriolic when it comes to disagreements, and some of that vitriol has started seeping into the church. In the Introduction, he posits, “. . . disagreement itself is not the problem . . . The problem is that today, both in the broader culture and in the church, we are not handling disagreement well” (pgs. 10, 12).
The Art of Disagreeing includes 5 brief chapters written to help Christians understand how to disagree without disparaging the name of Christ and damaging our Christian witness. The chapters are titled: Kindness, Courage, Persuasion, Listening, and Love. Ortlund is no stranger to disagreements, as he encounters them often in debates he hosts on his YouTube channel, aptly named Truth Unites. He practices what he preaches in the book, giving Christians a helpful example of what it can look like to honor Christ even when disagreeing with another party.
I appreciate that The Art of Disagreeing is brief, making it an accessible and helpful read for many Christians. I wish it had elaborated on peacemaking principles, but I understand that writing a short book is limiting. Overall, I believe this book is a great tool in helping Christians learn how to disagree in a way that glorifies God and dignifies others, and I recommend it. I appreciate Ortlund’s ministry and books, and also highly recommend his book Finding the Right Hills to Die On.
![🗯️ This quote from the late @timkellernyc is a lovely paraphrase of the late preacher Robert Murray M’Cheyne’s quote: “For every look at yourself, take ten looks at Christ. He is altogether lovely. Such infinite majesty, and yet such meekness and grace, and all for sinners, even the chief! Live much in the smiles of God. Bask in His beams. Feel His all-seeing eye settled on you in love, and [rest] in His almighty arms . . .”
The idea of looking at Jesus more than my sin has encouraged me lately as it’s reminded me that God’s grace abounds more than my sin (Romans 5:21). Of course, this is not a license to continue sinning (Romans 6:1-2) but liberation knowing my salvation is secure as I’m sealed by by the Spirit (2 Corinthians 1:22)!
I can’t help but rejoice in the reality of 1 John 3:1, “See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are . . .”](https://www.abeautifulinheritance.co/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed/img/placeholder.png)