Common Ground Without Compromise [Perfect Paperback]

Stephen Wagner (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 16, 2008

Most conversations we have about abortion are difficult. That's if we engage in them at all. What if you had the tools to start the conversation and make it productive? Common Ground Without Compromise encourages you to create discussion about abortion even with those who disagree. It focuses on twenty-five questions most people (pro-choice and pro-life) answer in a similar way. This foundation of common ground provides a safe atmosphere for people on all sides of the issue to clarify their views, listen to alternate perspectives, and even change their minds. Written to both sides of the debate, this book will help you develop your view of abortion or advocate for your position within the context of friendly dialogue.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Both sides of the abortion debate claim to be defending the dignity of persons. Unfortunately, while quarrelling with each other they sometimes neglect to consider the dignity of the person with whom they are disagreeing. Steve Wagner's book is an antidote to this. He offers to his readers a template on how one may go about discussing the abortion issue with firm conviction while at the same time exhibiting charity. This is a fine piece of work. --Francis J. Beckwith, Associate Professor of Philosophy & Church-State Studies, Baylor University

Steve Wagner has made a great contribution to breaking the logjam in the discussion of abortion. These discussions often end up as posturing or shouting matches because there is no common place to begin. Steve has identified places of common ground from which to proceed--this has the chance to actually make some headway in these difficult and emotional discussions. I commend this book for those who want to engage the discussion seriously. --Scott B. Rae, Ph.D. Professor and Chair, Department of Philosophy, Talbot School of Theology, Biola University

In a realm where cleverness and strategy are prioritized over understanding and dialogue, Common Ground Without Compromise represents a rare and invaluably sincere perspective. In its attempt to bring us all, pro-choice and pro-life, back to our common humanity, this book will do more than challenge your views--it will challenge your idea of how we should go about working for a better world. There were definitely moments when reading this that I had some buttons pushed and wanted more explained from 'my side.' Then I realized that this was the purpose--to start conversations with each other, not to say how they should end. Wagner's approach represents one of the most hopeful things I have encountered in my experiences with this great social dilemma of our time. --Lynette Shaw, Pro-Choice

About the Author

Steve Wagner has spent hundreds of hours in dialogue with college students about abortion and human rights on over 30 major university campuses in Canada and across the United States. In addition to making the pro-life case to those who disagree, Steve specializes in training students to engage their campuses in large-scale discussion on abortion. Frustrated by shallow stereotypes and disrespectful activism in the seemingly endless abortion debate, Steve passionately works to build common ground and make a reasonable and clear case for the pro-life position. He graduated summa cum laude from the University of Southern California and is currently studying philosophy at Talbot School of Theology.

Product Details

• Perfect Paperback: 135 pages
• Publisher: Stand to Reason Press (January 16, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1930836198
• ISBN-13: 978-1930836198
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.9 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,530,480 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book is brilliant, April 20, 2008

By 

Josh Brahm - See all my reviews

This review is from: Common Ground Without Compromise (Perfect Paperback)

Simply put, this book is brilliant. I've seen it work in person. It definitely makes for a more "Christian" discussion, as opposed to screaming at people or waving bibles in their faces. Anyone who doubts the approach should consider the results of those that use it. This book has helped me go to the next level in establishing common ground with even the most extreme pro-choice advocate.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sincere Approach, January 16, 2009

By 

Mlle Mandy (Central IL, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Common Ground Without Compromise (Perfect Paperback)

Excellent resource for speaking intelligently about abortion. Common Ground Without Compromise encourages authenticity in interactions with others - a common sense notion which nevertheless is often completely disregarded. Please do yourself a favor and investigate this text for yourself. I wager you will not be disappointed.