Book
An atheist philosopher and a Protestant minister interact in a constructive and respectful dialogue about their differing views on life, stressing the importance of honesty, civility, and community engagement at a time of polarized politics. Unity in diversity (e pluribus unum) — the quintessential American value– is under assault today, and along with it, our sense of shared community. In this book, an atheist philosopher and a United Church of Christ pastor demonstrate that common ground can still be found even by people with very different perspectives on life. In short, difference need not mean division.
The authors focus on the importance of truthfulness, civility, and community. In a respectful dialogue, they exchange ideas on the nature of truth, the importance of honesty, the value of civility, the definition of community in a pluralistic society, respecting differences while avoiding divisiveness, and the consequences to our nation when ideological rancor and the demonizing of opponents dominate the public square.
The authors have a personal stake as well as an intellectual interest in these issues, as they met in childhood and have maintained their friendship over the decades despite their very different life choices and career paths. They both view with alarm the widening fissures developing among Americans and conclude by pointing out a similar preference for diatribe over rational debate in the decades preceding the Civil War. At a time of shrill rhetoric, this measured, reasoned discussion between two friends shows that communication and respect are possible between people of good will.
In an era when the very definition of ‘truth’ is in question, and manipulators are working overtime to incite division, we need models of civil discourse that illustrate how those of us with different perspectives can still engage in vigorous debate without losing sight of our commonalities. Polarized is such a model, and it serves as leverage against the forces of sophistry, obfuscation, and caprice that are eroding what holds us together despite our disagreements—our most vital sense of human community.
—David DiSalvo, author of What Makes Your Brain Happy and Why You Should Do the Opposite
“Donehoo and Parsons pull off a remarkable feat—demonstrating that it’s possible to be charitable, thoughtful, and truthful, even when your fundamental beliefs are worlds apart. You can disagree with one side or the other—or perhaps even both—and that’s okay. In fact, that’s healthy. But you’ll still walk away from this book with renewed faith in the power of bridge building, both personally and politically, which is something we desperately need.
—Nathan Bomey, author of After the Fact: The Erosion of Truth and the Inevitable Rise of Donald Trump
“A fascinating book that blends the worldviews of two unlikely companions, a Protestant minister and an atheist philosophy professor, whose core American ideas and values drive us to challenge the Trump establishment and work toward truthfulness, civility, community, and unity. Donehoo and Parsons exchange substantive dialogue in this debate-shifting book, and anyone interested in the sanctity of American Democracy would benefit from reading it.
—William T. Hoston, associate professor of political science, University of Houston–Clear Lake