A Practical Peace — Book Review
The World is about to Turn: Mending a Nation’s Broken Faith
Rick Rouse and Paul O. Ingram, (Chalice Press, St. Louis, 2020).
Rick Rouse and Paul Ingram have given Christians and people of all faiths a useful gift in their book, The World is about to Turn: Mending a Nation’s Broken Faith. Their work is solidly scriptural. It is also broad based in its inclusion of the teachings and perspectives of the world’s main religions. This is not an ivory tower treatment of discord, healing and peace. It is, rather, immensely practical with ideas and actions that can be incorporated into anyone’s life. The book is also a beacon of hope boldly proclaiming that unity and peace can be a part of our community experience.
Rouse and Ingram center their ideas for healing relationships and moving toward unity as a nation on the words of the prophet Micah. The prophet writes:
“He has told you, O mortal, what is good;
and what does the Lord require of you
but to do justice, and to love kindness,
and to walk humbly with your God? (Micah 6:8).
Here’s an example of the books practicality. With this passage in mind, the authors offer a three step path toward humility.
- The first step is to bear witness to the truth and to admit our own failings
as a nation.That may seem counter intuitive to many politicians and religious leaders of our day. Yet rather than colluding with the “Empire” as it has in the past, the church today has a prophetic role to be a truth-teller.
- A second step of genuine humility is that of repentance and forgiveness.
Every person has a need to forgive and to be forgiven.
- Third step is a willingness to put one’s own preconceived notions and bias aside, to listen and learn from one another, with the goal being that of establishing mutual respect.
The wounds we have experienced as individuals, communities and a nation are deep. If we are to heal, it will take a great amount of time and effort. This book offers a way to permit healing to take place. I commend it to you with the prayer that it will enable all of us to work for healing, peace and justice, with humility, commitment and patience.