Reactivity
How the Gospel Transforms Our Actions and Reactions
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- $19.99
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- $19.99
Publisher Description
Bestselling Author Paul David Tripp Helps Christians Communicate Biblically in a Culture of Outrage
Digital media and technology are altering the way people act—and react—toward each other. Criticism, outrage, and controversy dominate social engagement and unfortunately many Christians have joined in the chaos. It's a troubling contrast to Jesus's words in John 13:35: "By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."
Award-winning author Paul David Tripp instructs believers to view digital media and technology through the lens of the gospel and points them toward a biblical framework for communication. Explaining how God wants the church to engage with culture and each other, Tripp encourages Christians to think wisely about their interactions and be a beacon of light in an age of toxicity.
A Biblical Look at Social Engagement: Discusses wholesome talk, the effects of "cancel culture," and 5 false identity temptations including attention, power, and acceptanceApplies Scripture Practically: Gives a gospel-centered framework for navigating digital life without confusion or destructive reactivityGreat for Pastors, Parents, and Youth Ministries: Helps readers understand who they are in Christ so they won't be swayed by a chaotic digital culture
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
In this ho-hum treatise, Christian minister Tripp (Do You Believe?) calls for more humane conduct on social media. Lamenting the cacophony of online discourse, Tripp encourages readers to look to the Bible for moral guidance and to fight back against social media's "culture of toxic reactivity." He suggests John's declaration that "God is love" means that Christians should privilege love above other goals, such as winning an argument or making a quippy comeback. "I am regularly shocked by the manner at which ‘Christians' talk to one another online," Tripp writes, likening such contentious discussion to Phariseeism because combative Christians profess to follow God but prioritize righteousness above comity. He encourages readers to follow the example of Jesus, who "was disrespected more than" anyone else but, rather than retaliating, remained concentrated on doing God's will. Christians should be humble and acknowledge their limits, Tripp contends, which requires admitting one's sins and that one doesn't know everything. His calls to quell online rancor with Christian love are well-intentioned, but readers hoping for more pragmatic advice will want to look elsewhere. This rose-colored outing doesn't quite hit the mark.