Earlier this summer I read Leah Schade’s book Preaching in the Purple Zone: Ministry in the Red-Blue Divide, then interviewed her for my current book project. Preaching in the Purple Zone was also one of my “reads of the week” on the Called podcast, and it’s the only book I’ve ever mega sticky-noted TWICE (a lovely child of mine pulled out every single sticky note my first time through O_O).
So of course I was delighted to write a review of the book for the Journal of Lutheran Ethics:
Good morning congregation, let’s talk about women’s reproductive rights! Or maybe gun control? How about immigration?
If a sermon or adult forum on these topics doesn’t elicit some nervousness for you as a pastor or layperson, I bet you can think of several other topics that would be controversial—and likely divisive—in your congregation. Hot button topics that could make some congregants angry and might drive some away. … Read the rest of the review here.
