It seems that "common ground" is more common as a phrase than as a place that the collective body of Christians actually tries to find. While this observation was likely just as true a hundred or a thousand years ago, the divisions have been compounded by the nature of modern media. It's easier than ever to put forth extreme, one-dimensional positions. Rather than integrate the arguments into a useful understanding of the problem, we just scroll to the next disconnected topic. In A House Divided, Mark Feldmeir gives us a start at finding common ground on eight of the most debated social and economic issues we face today. In course, he models an approach we can apply to other issues. The approach is to identify foundational points of agreement, axioms, that we can build on to understand the problem together and then find broadly acceptable solutions. For example, one of the axioms for the topic of racism is: "How we think about racism is largely determined by our own particular race." Some readers will nod in agreement, while others will be prompted to consider this concept for the first time. In either case, they'll find in the book a mix of stories, facts and theological arguments we can all use to construct a solution together. The topic of racism is especially timely right now, and for me, the dialogue in this chapter complemented the conversations I've been a part of in my professional life and recent book groups. Feldmeir writes: "if we want to understand racism in the U.S., as uncomfortable as it might be for us, we have the moral responsibility to open our eyes and see our society more truthfully, and to become more receptive to what it is like to be black in the U.S." This call to action is backed by a fact base - thoroughly sourced - to help us gain an expanded perspective.

The book itself is short. At just over a hundred pages, it's a concise yet thoughtful start at reconciling the top issues facing us right now. The book is much more robust and meaningful if you invest in contemplating the questions designed to prompt deeper understanding at the close of each chapter. I recommend reading this whole book, including spending time on the thought exercises, and then returning again to the axioms and questions over time, based on the current topics that come to your screen and consciousness. This book would also be a great selection for a book group, and any of the chapters could serve as a resource for group discussions on those topics. Questioning our own beliefs and seeking to reconcile them with others' hotly contested statements can be an exhausting process. It's the work we need to do. A House Divided provides a framework, a playbook, and a beginning. ( )