Church's Mission in a Polarized World - (Magenta) by Robert Aaron Wessman (Paperback)

About the Book

Book Synopsis

"Christians and other people of good will are longing for a response that can lead the way out of the divisiveness and vitriol of our times. I wrote this book to provide some assistance to readers to discern a way out of the toxicity in which we live, and to stimulate courage and hope so that all people can see the age in which we live more clearly and respond with the grace necessary to follow more fully the call God has spoken--a missionary call to deepen Christ's incarnational movement in our world." - Fr. Robert Aaron Wessman

From the Back Cover

This book is a much-needed Catholic response to the increasingly perilous danger of polarization in politics, society, and even the Church. For those who are unfamiliar with the dynamics of polarization, here is a well-researched and soundly-reasoned work that will get you up to speed. For those who are already well-versed, here is a vivid presentation that will provide new perspective. For everyone, here is a bold and compelling call not to war, but into conformity with Christ's incarnational movement.- Leonard J. DeLorenzo, Director of Undergraduate Studies, McGrath Institute for Church Life, University of Notre Dame, Author of Work of Love: A Theological Reconstruction of the Communion of Saints

In this carefully researched and deeply personal examination of the polarization in American society and Church, Aaron Wessman provides a compelling way forward for Christians to disrupt the forces threatening our destruction. Drawing from sociological, psychological, and theological resources, he describes the intensification of polarization in the twenty-first century that demonizes the "other" as the enemy and stokes rage to gain political power. He insists that Christians must replace the metaphor of war, which aids polarization, with the defining Christian metaphor of Christ's emptying in the incarnation. Wessman's prescription goes beyond a theoretical assessment, however, highlighting practical tools available to Christians to "cross over" to encounter the other and giving examples of people and organizations now putting these principles into practice. Wessman has issued a powerful call for Christians to use the spiritual resources that define us to bring healing and hope. - Douglas A. Foster, Professor of Church History, Abilene Christian University

One of the clearest, deepest, most thoughtful and carefully researched interdisciplinary studies on polarization I have encountered. With deep respect for the power of language, Fr. Wessman's skillful use of vivid images and metaphors carry the reader into a new capacity to grapple with some of the most difficult tensions of our times. A storyteller at heart, his profound engagement with religious and cultural witnesses of dialogue, interspersed with honest and even vulnerable "show don't tell" personal examples encourage the reader to keep it real as one delves into the work needed to address divisive habits of thought and speech. This book would serve as an excellent and comprehensive text for college classes and for parish or community book clubs. His insightful interpretation of the ecclesial and cultural terrain not only generates more light than heat, but stands as a lighthouse for anyone looking for creative resources to both understand and meet this moment.- Amy Uelmen

Director for Mission and Ministry, Georgetown Law School

Review Quotes

Fr. Aaron Wessman's book is a tour de force. At a time when both Church and world are vulnerable to the most divisive of rhetorical tactics, he has uncovered a path to unity that is intellectually persuasive, spiritually penetrating, ecclesially grounded, and eminently doable. In the United States, the metaphor of fighting a culture war has left its indelible mark on the Church and the world. It will not disappear soon. Wessman aims not to dismiss the warriors on both sides or the issues for which they are waging battle but to invite them to submit to a weapons buyback in return for a spiritual discipline grounded in the witnesses of holy men and women like St. Damien of Molokai, St. Thomas Aquinas, and Dorothy Day. Is this timely? I can think of few tasks that are more urgent.- Peter Casarella, Professor of Theology and Director of the ThD Program, Duke Divinity School

Jesus was not just kind. He was also curious. In this hopeful and inspiring book, Fr. Wessman draws a clear connection between the Christian tradition of "crossing over" to encounter the "other" and the growing movement that tradition strengthens to bridge divides in our polarized world--even and especially when it scares us. - Mónica Guzmán, Senior Fellow for Public Practice at Braver Angels, Author of I Never Thought of It That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times

Jesus proclaimed that he came not to bring peace, but a sword. His earthly ministry was marked by deeply polarizing conflict between himself and the Pharisees, whom he termed "whitewashed tombs." Yet, he ate and drank with his own enemies and died for them. He loved them to the end, and he commanded us to love our enemies. In this extraordinary book Fr. Wessman asks us, in the midst of the sweeping conflicts of our time, to examine our conscience: have we become poisoned and paralyzed by hate? May we repent and learn to love!- Matthew Levering, James N. Jr. and Mary D. Perry Chair of Theology, Mundelein Seminary

About the Author

For good reason, many people bemoan the polarization and lack of civility in American life and politics, often with a sense of despair or resignation. What can be done, anyway? Someone else should solve the problem. In this timely book, Fr. Wessman reminds us of our apostolic vocation to cross over and encounter other people, as Christ did. Faith sees with the eyes of love, and seeks the good of the other rather than their defeat. More than an inspiring call, however, Fr. Wessman explains the skills and virtues needed, and how to take those first small steps to become people of hope, courage, and hospitality. - R. J. Snell, Editor-in-Chief, The Public Discourse

The divisiveness of US politics has been the topic of countless opinion columns, but Robert Aaron Wessman expertly provides history and context to help Christians and all Americans find a way out of the storm. Both incisive and hopeful, The Church's Mission in a Polarized World offers practical principles from the teachings of Jesus (and examples of people who put those principles to use) to restore our civic life. - Robert David Sullivan

Senior Editor, America Magazine

Fr. Aaron Wessman has provided a much-needed exploration of how the Church can--indeed, must--respond to the toxic polarization that has strained communities, severed relationships, and derailed collaboration. He persuasively shows how a ministry of "crossing over into the storm" has a much more authentic grounding in the Gospel than the war imagery often invoked to motivate American Christians to action. This book is an important attempt to reset the conversation. - Robert K. Vischer, Interim President, University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, MN