Book offers guidance on crossing lines that separate ‘us’ from ‘them’

VALLEY FORGE, PA (ABNS 4/15/20)—In a society increasingly divided along political, theological, cultural and racial lines—lines that we have drawn to separate “us” from “them”—the Christian church is not exempt from responsibility. How can we respond to the division in the world around us when we are too often polarized ourselves?

“Crossing the Lines We Draw: Faithful Responses to a Polarized America” offers scriptural insight for developing strategies that will equip people of faith to cross the lines in meaningful dialog within their congregations and in the communities where they live, work and minister with others.

The book includes personal, firsthand accounts of recent incidents spurred by division, including 2017’s Unite the Right event in Charlottesville, Va. Then, using examples from the Gospels about Christ’s life, it explores how people of faith can break down barriers. It encourages readers to remember that God is with us during these difficult times and that God’s purposes—not humankind’s—will be fulfilled.

Author Matthew Tennant is senior minister of University Baptist Church, Charlottesville, Va. He serves on the Human Rights Commission for the city of Charlottesville and as a visiting professor of Philosophy of Religion at L’Université Chrétienne du Nord d’haiti. He has authored two books, including “Preaching in Plenty and in Want” (Judson Press, 2011) and “The Work of the Church Treasurer” (Judson Press, 2017). He is also an active blogger on matthewtennant.org.

Founded in 1824, Judson Press is a publishing ministry of American Baptist Home Mission Societies, American Baptist Churches USA. It is committed to producing Christ-centered leadership resources for the transformation of individuals, congregations, communities and cultures.

American Baptist Home Mission Societies partners with American Baptists to promote Christian faith, cultivate Christ-centered leaders and disciples, and bring healing and transformation to communities across the United States and Puerto Rico.

American Baptist Churches USA is one of the most diverse Christian denominations today, with approximately 5,000 congregations comprised of 1.3 million members, across the United States and Puerto Rico, all engaged in God’s mission around the world.