Seeing Gray in a World of Black and White: Thoughts on Religion, Morality, and Politics

Being myself a United Methodist church member and currently on the path to becoming a Certified Lay Speaker, I find Adam Hamilton's views both familiar and challenging.The United Methodists are fully vested in the promotion of women in congregational leadership roles, including filling the pulpit as pastors. It was this idea that first drew me to the denomination.Overall, I found myself agreeing with much of Pastor Hamilton's views regarding the subjects he brought forth. However, some of what I read challenged what I believe to be truth in my understanding of Scripture, especially the Gospels and the rest of the New Testament. I continue to be at odds with the United Methodist Book of Discipline regarding same sex relationships, the recognition and celebration of those persons' unions, and the prohibition of ordination of clergy whose lives are openly gay or lesbian. (that last bit smacks to me of "don't ask; don't tell")I was encouraged by some portions including, regarding non-Christians who lived in service and faith being welcomed and rewarded by a merciful God who would not deny them a place in Paradise. Take that Fundamentalists! Even without a personal relationships with Christ, Jews, Hindus, etc. can find a place that God has prepared for us all.The book was well written and obviously thought through and prayerfully considered. No Bible pounding here. Just an eloquent yet readable, thought provoking consideration of issues that faithful people face and take to God in prayer.

This may very well be my most favorite book written about the Bible, religion, christianity. I’ve questioned and struggled with so many beliefs (religion vs science) and was relieved to read Hamilton’s thoughts on these important debates. Rather than allowing these topics to be causes of division, this book opens areas of possible discussion and unity.

Loved the book. Used for group Bible study.

Adam Hamilton provides spiritual guidance along with insight and common sense for today's world. When I started to read "Seeing Gray in a World of Black and White" I checked the publishing date, thinking perhaps he started writing it at the beginning of the presidential campaign season in 2015. Surprisingly, but in retrospect perhaps not so surprising, the book, published in 2009, holds absolutely true today. Which means that we as a nation have not learned very much, nor have we moved forward towards the middle approach of our common interests. True, there have been advancements in equal rights for the LGBT community, a more open discussion regarding religions beyond Christianity and an awareness of the needs of the disenfranchised of our country. Adam Hamilton does not preach, nor does he demand that his readers change their way of thinking. He just lays out the issues of today's world, utilizing the Bible as a stepping stone when appropriate and his eloquent (yet down-to-earth) style to give the reader quite a bit of food for thought, as well as an excellent platform for discussion. I read the book as part of my morning reflection and will be looking for another Adam Hamilton book to take the place of this one.

I am in the process of reading this book for small group at my church. I have to say it is one of the most insightful books I have seen regarding dealing with issues that confront us in today's world. Our society tends to see things as being black or white, one extreem or the other; you are liberal or conservative. Adam Hamilton suggests a different way of dealing with the issues. It is ok not to be one extreem or the other, but to be somewhere in the middle. As a matter of fact, that might be preferable to the extreems, and enable a ground on which to have productive conversations and perhaps even achieve resolutions to problems.In the book Adam addresses some very controversial issues including evolution, abortion, homosexuality, heaven and hell, and even whether non-Christians will be in heaven. He even addresses politics.This is probably not a book for those who are determined to be at the poles of an issue. It is not just a book for Christians, although I consider it a must read for those who wish to see an end to the senseless bickering between liberal and conservative Christians that leads non-Christians to avoid us and the faith. It is a book for any individual who wishes to promote productive discussion on issues that face our world today. I am buying several copies to give as gifts this Christmas.

I have long said none of us has this thing right. So, I guess I and in the gray area . . . The radical center. Good explanation of all sides of the issues for Christian’s today.

Wow, just wow! Hamilton's view of a radical center building bridges, not walls really resonated with me. As Jesus spent so much of his ministry building relationships with sinners, why does American Christianity seem to spend so much time pushing everyone away. Adam Hamilton spends a lot of the book explaining his views on various hot-button topics. I didn't agree with him on everything, but came away with a greater understanding and more compassion. If you struggle with the "I'm right, you're wrong" version of Christianity that seems so popular right now, this book will speak to you and hopefully give you a new appreciation for your role in God's kingdom.