Customer Reviews

Seeing Gray in a World of Black and White: Thoughts on Religion, Morality, and Politics

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In 1990 Adam Hamilton founded the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kansas. After starting with four people, today their weekly attendance numbers about 7500 worshippers. Along the way, Hamilton has written at least a half-dozen books, the most current one urging a "radical center" that moves beyond the tired debates between evangelical conservatives and mainline liberals. Elsewhere Hamilton has advanced the language of "liberal evangelical" or "evangelical liberal."

"This book," he writes, "is my attempt at laying out one Christian's view of a Christianity of the via media or middle way between the extremes" of a Jerry Falwell and John Shelby Spong. That's not to say he argues for a mushy middle or some lowest common denominator. Far from it. The call of Jesus is radical. But because of the transcendence of God and the fallenness of humanity, we should never claim to understand the Jesus Way perfectly. Nor do we have to, for to do so would be a horrible burden.

What Hamilton argues for is not moderation but modesty. He embodies the so-called "peace-saying" of Peter Meiderlin, a Lutheran pastor who had grown tired of the rancor and division caused by doctrinal disputes in the wake of the Protestant Reformation. In the early 1620s he wrote a book under the pen name of Rupert Meldenius, entitled A Prayerful Admonition for Peace to the Theologians of the Augsburg Confession. In it he urged "in essentials unity, in non-essentials liberty, and in all things charity."

Hamilton is a fine example of an articulate pastor who's followed the Wesleyan quadrilateral of Scripture, tradition, reason, and experience. He has listened carefully for the intimations of the Spirit in his own life and in the lives of his parishioners, then incorporated these experiences into his reasoned interpretation of Scripture. He tackles head-on a dozen or so litmus-test issues that have divided Christians-- the Bible, science, evolution, world religions, hell, evil, doubt, ethics, abortion, homosexuality, war and politics. These are short chapters with sparse footnotes and excellent stories. They aren't intended as a substitute for a deeper study of complex issues that Hamilton would robustly recommend. Rather, what we get is the opportunity to look over the shoulder of a gifted pastor as he studies the Scriptures, cares deeply for his people, and celebrates the good news of Jesus.

Questions at the end of the book for each chapter encourage deeper reflection. I would have enjoyed a list of books "for further reading." Readers who expect Hamilton to "solve" the problems he raises will be disappointed, because that's precisely what he doesn't do. In the twenty-three short chapters he makes no pretense of offering a comprehensive analysis of the questions. Rather, he illustrates in a winsome manner how one believer has taken to heart the advice in one of John Wesley's most famous sermons ("Catholic Spirit" from 1755): "Though we cannot think alike, may we not love alike? May we not be of one heart, though we are not of one opinion? Without all doubt, we may. Herein all the children of God may unite, notwithstanding these smaller differences" (231, 236).

I am in the process of reading this book for small group at my church. I have to say it is one of the most insightful books I have seen regarding dealing with issues that confront us in today's world. Our society tends to see things as being black or white, one extreem or the other; you are liberal or conservative. Adam Hamilton suggests a different way of dealing with the issues. It is ok not to be one extreem or the other, but to be somewhere in the middle. As a matter of fact, that might be preferable to the extreems, and enable a ground on which to have productive conversations and perhaps even achieve resolutions to problems.

In the book Adam addresses some very controversial issues including evolution, abortion, homosexuality, heaven and hell, and even whether non-Christians will be in heaven. He even addresses politics.

This is probably not a book for those who are determined to be at the poles of an issue. It is not just a book for Christians, although I consider it a must read for those who wish to see an end to the senseless bickering between liberal and conservative Christians that leads non-Christians to avoid us and the faith. It is a book for any individual who wishes to promote productive discussion on issues that face our world today. I am buying several copies to give as gifts this Christmas.

Hamilton squarely faces the "noisy" issues of popular society to bring forth reasonable, moderate understanding to encourage thoughtful people to recognize the futility of polarities. His rationality of listening rather than shouting restores hope that overcomes fear, makes places for peace to "break out."

Another great,thought provoking book by Adam Hamilton. Using it with a study and I have had good responses so far.

Adam Hamilton takes a straight on look at some of the issues that divide Christianity today: abortion, homosexuality, the way (or ways) to get to Heaven, the nature of pain, where is God when it hurts, the inerrancy of Scripture and what role, if any does God play in politics and Presidential elections. All of the things we Christians, be we conservative or progressive, think we have all figured out and have the corner on what's right and what's wrong.

Hamilton points out what we all, in our best moments, know: None of us are right all the time, and those withwhom we disagree are not wrong all the time. For most, if not all, there the middle ground. And it is there where we must live and have our being.

This book is not an effort to sway anyone from their hardline and long-held ideas, opinions and beliefs. It is, rather, an attempt to get those of us who are supposed to be Christian to respect and honor our fellow Christians with whom we disagree. As we are entitled to have our positions and beliefs, others, just as well meaning and spirit filled, are entitled to have their positions and beliefs. Because we disagree, it doesn't mean that either of us are bad people.

Many other theologians, C.S. Lewis for one, has said there is a difference between the essentials and the non-essentials of our faith. This very fine work helps us find out what is really important in our faith and what is a matter of preference.

The older I live, the more I appreciate Rodney King's now famous quote: "Why can't we all just get along..."

That's what this book is about, the ability to, as Christians who profess to love one another, get along along and affirm one another though we may have our differences of belief.

Good book. Meaningful book

Not an easy discussion book for a big Sunday School class perhaps--the issues are just to big, to emotional and too potentially explosive--but a great and meaningful read for the contemplative Christain who is searching for God and Jesus among the many hard and shrill voices that characterize our faith today.

Excellent study on several of today's hot topics. Thought provoking and sound basis for its discussions. Best if used with the instructional video and study handouts.

Adam Hamilton's book, "Seeing Gray in a World of Black of White" is an outstanding documentary. After reading excerpts, I was so enthused about it, I bought two more as gifts and sent the name of the book and author to many friends.

Thank you,
Maggie

Mr Hamilton raises several great points for thought. It truly is a guide to life and should be read by anyone questioning life today.

Very interesting book. I really like how he uses scripture to represent "both sides" of an issue and then he draws his own conclusion. He is very clear each time that he has drawn his own conclusion and you can either agree with him, form your own, or continue to hold your black or white view. His chapters on abortion, about who will be in heaven, and his sermons were very honest reflections. He has a letter written to him by his mother who was encouraged to get an abortion while she was pregnant with him. Yet, he doesn't make the issue about himself. He is a gifted writer and if you don't get it on amazon, check it out from your library, most have a copy of this book.

Great Book! Lots of great thoughts on seeing both sides of an issue, no matter how polarizing. It has changed how I look at issues.