Dancing in No Man’s Land: Moving with Peace and Truth in a Hostile World by Brian Jennings

About the book:

(from the publisher) Are you tired of the conflict all around you?

It happens over and over again. A political argument with a friend, a fight about racial issues on the internet, a disagreement with a coworker―at the first sign of conflict, we flee to a bunker with people who think like us and attack everyone else. We feel safe there, but it’s killing us: killing families, friendships, civility, and discourse.

Our fractured world desperately needs a different way: people who will speak gently, value truth, and think clearly. Dancing in No Man’s Land is a rallying cry, a life-giving and practical journey into the way of Jesus that will revolutionize how you view conflict. You can choose to speak both truth and peace in the midst of war. You can step out of our bunkers and into no-man’s land, where only brave souls tread. It may look like you’re dodging cultural landmines. But you might just be learning how to dance.

Genre: Non-fiction/Religion/Christian Life/Personal Growth

About the author:

Brian lives in Tulsa with his wife, Beth, and their four children. Brian preaches at Highland Park Christian Church and serves on the boards of Blackbox International (help for trafficked boys) and Ozark Christian College. He has written for Lookout Magazine, Christian Standard, and What’s In The Bible.

Connect with the author: Website | Twitter | Instagram

My take:

What a helpful handbook for navigating the treacherous cultural landscape we find ourselves in. Both engaging and balanced, it calls us back to what God’s Word says about division and hatred. But of course it doesn’t simply leave it there. Brian Jennings provides insights and ideas for living in the in-between “sides” — without sacrificing conviction. It’s not about neutrality but nuance — about living out the and:

• Grace and Truth
• Wisdom and Tact
• Gentleness and Strength
• Conviction and Discernment
• Shrewdness and Innocence
• Humility and Courage*

* Titles from Part II: No Man’s Land

For fans of Scott Sauls’ BeFriend: create belonging in an age of judgment, isolation, and fear. Recommended for all who are, yes, tired of the conflict, but more importantly, are looking for a way forward. This book points the way.

Thanks to Tyndale House/NavPress for providing me this book free of charge. All opinions are mine.

Buy it here. 

After words:

I’m encouraged by books like these, as well as increasingly discerning and practical conversation addressing the problem of division among us. What has you encouraged these days?