America is experiencing a time of crisis where its citizens are greatly polarized and where the ideals of religion and patriotism are weaponized rather than celebrated.

 

The malicious rhetoric of politicians and others appears to have given alarming rise to the number of hate crimes in this country including the murder of worshippers in our houses of worship. It appears that the country has lost its soul or at least its moral compass. People seem to have lost faith in most institutions, including the government and the Church. Yet faith communities are intended to be agents of transformation and of hope.

 

The authors, Rick Rouse and Paul Ingram, expose the underbelly of religious intolerance and then lift up a vision for a more civil and generous society.

 

Using the Judeo-Christian scriptures along with writings from a variety of other faith traditions and contemporary theologians, we explore a way forward for people of all faiths to find common ground for a life of mutual respect and care for one another. The authors offer a Biblical and inter-religious approach to the question of “how does God intend for us to live well together in the common life?”