"Holy Disunity" (Layton E. Williams)

TITLE: Holy Disunity: How What Separates Us Can Save Us
AUTHOR: Layton E. Williams
PUBLISHER: Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2019, (215 pages).

Many books have been written about unity, about community, and the need to stay together in spite of mounting challenges. One of the key reasons for separation is the lack of openness toward dissenting viewpoints. This is also known as "the idol of unity" where different views are belittled for the sake of a particular view. As a result, some voted with their feet by walking away. Others suppress their own anger which might appear somewhere else. Still others would lament the growing disunity within the community of faith. This book takes the bull by the horns by addressing diversity with boldness and openness. According to author Layton Williams,  it is entirely possible to turn disagreements and doubts into understanding and belief. Instead of retreating back to our cocoons of self-assurance, we are encouraged to debate our differences in the hope that we grow in understanding not just of alternative views, but to learn to see the bigger picture of any issue. Rather than promoting either unity or disunity, the key point is to learn about co-existence even in the lack of agreement. The way toward "holy disunity" is via the 12 unconventional gifts. Some of the positive outlooks toward seemingly "negative" emotional behaviours are highlighted as follows:

1. Difference: Recognizing each of us has unique God-given images and identities will help us cherish our diversity;
2. Doubt: Helps us to challenge established beliefs in the hope of greater insight and more robust faith;
3. Argument: Fear of confrontation just to be nice would deprive us from honest and fruitful engagement;
4. Tension: Helps us avoid the binary lens to distinguish everything between right and wrong. Instead, allowing tensions would bring about needed balance in any relationship;
5. Separation: There is a legitimate way in which being apart helps. One example of being separate from the world. In fact, the author argues that separation is a "rite of passage."
6. Vulnerability: If the Church is able to be open and honest, where members are vulnerable and free, it would bring about a unity that would be priceless;
7. Trouble: Instead of giving in instinctively to flee from trouble, why not address the root of the trouble? Let the troubles bring people together instead.
8. Protest: These should not be dismissed but seen as opportunities for change, even as moral obligation to stand up against unfair practices;
9. Hunger: It's the fear of scarcity that separates us. Learn how to harness the lack into an opportunity to pursue an abundance that lasts;
10. Limitations: Only God is limitless. We need to learn how live within our limitations, together. Knowing our limits also keeps us humble before an Awesome God;
11. Failure: It is possible for redemption even after a disastrous setback. Better still, rather than to call it a "failure," why not call it a learning experience?
12. Uncertainty: As the world becomes increasingly uncertain, we don't have to constantly delay our plans or living just because we don't have a 100% certainty. 

I appreciate the list of discussion questions at the back of the book to help us refresh and revisit our own reactions to the book's pointers.

My Thoughts
This book is no ordinary run-of-the-mill publication that tells us to do the ordinary right thing or to behave in expected ways. In fact, it does the very opposite to tell us to resist our creaturely instincts and to take a different stance with regard to viewing "negative" emotions. The twelve "gifts" are often the very sparks that break or divide any Christian communities. The two most popular reactions are to fight until one wins or to take flight just to avoid confrontation. Both of these methods do not solve the underlying need for greater understanding and empathy. Many churches are notorious for doing that. Some of the most controversial issues in this modern age is the LGBTQ divide between the traditional and the liberal. Williams seems particularly passionate about this issue, which is probably why this particular group has been singled out throughout her book. I believe that is because the issue has divided the PCUSA for years, and despite the official approval for gay marriage, it is still a controversial matter within the organization today. While it is important to consider all sides and arguments, inevitably, there will come a time in which we have to take a stand. No matter how nice or how intellectual our arguments are made, people tend to let their hearts rule the day. When that happens, changing perspectives becomes secondary. The primal instincts will then take centerstage.

Williams also says that "separation is in our DNA." I wouldn't go that far to say that. Truth is, it is "sin" that separates. Sinful people have that disposition to do things according to their own ways. In fact, whether one is for or against any issue, the moment one takes a stand, it is already a challenge to others to agree or disagree. Yet, for readers who are unable to nuance Williams's arguments, I would suggest patience. Give the book a chance to makes its case. Then, at the end of it all, if you still disagree, that's still ok. At least, make "understanding" the goal.

All in all, this is a very positive book. It teaches us the basic tools of honest and humble engagement, especially with people different from us. It is also an opportunity to re-examine the basic premises we have pertaining to dealing with differences, doubts, diversities, tensions, separations, troubles, failures, and all the negative emotions triggered by issues we are passionate about. Yet, the best that Williams's book could do is to invite all to come and to remain at the negotiating table, and to adopt a spirit of friendship and understanding. While true agreement and unity remain a distant goal, what is most beneficial is to learn to see from the multiple perspectives presented. Hopefully, this would spur others not only to major on the majors and minor on the minors, it would help us redefine what is major and what is minor in the first place. 

Layton Williams is a writer who is focused on intersections of faith, justice, politics, and culture. She is also keen on matters pertaining to sexuality and gender. He holds a BA in English from the University of Georgia and an MDiv from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary. She was ordained as a minister with the Presbyterian Church (USA) in 2014.

Rating: 4.25 stars of 5.

conrade

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This book has been provided courtesy of Westminster John Knox Press and NetGalley without requiring a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.