By Allie Beth Stuckey

Everywhere you look, there is controversy. The lines between right and wrong are blurred. As members of a Christian society, we are told we need to love and have compassion. But how much love and compassion is too much? At what point do we cross the line between loving the sinner but hating the sin?

Breaking down five current hot button topics, Christian author and commentator Allie Beth Stuckey looks at abortion, transgenderism, homosexuality, immigration, and social justice through a Biblical lens. Instead of being told how we should feel and act by social media and politicians, readers are encouraged to take a deep dive into what the Bible says about these and similar topics. After all, the trends of this world change daily, but the Word of God stands forever.

Pros: No matter what side of the political aisle you are on, we’re all guilty of making blanket statements about something, or mindlessly repeating catchy quotes. I was really encouraged instead to understand the why and what, and use those to inform my opinion instead of a hashtag phrase. Why does God define certain things as right and others as wrong? Why do these issues matter? What is the driving force behind these issues? What is at stake? 

I also appreciated looking at real life examples and news stories through a secular viewpoint, and then juxtaposing that with a Biblical worldview. Tough questions were asked and Biblical truths were explained. 

In the world we live in, it is inevitable that you will be forced to take sides. Not too long after reading this book, I was questioned about my “lack of empathy” on a certain topic. Thanks to this book, my first thought was to use what the Bible says, not the shallow political talking points. 

Cons: I have no real cons on this other than some of the writing felt repetitive. I would have liked it if some of the analysis was condensed to make room for additional hot-button issues. One thing to note is the graphicness of these topics. The deep dive into abortion was particularly hard to read. While this book is a must-read for Christians, younger or more sensitive readers might want to pass for now.

Bottom Line: A timely encouragement for Christians to take a stand on the Word of God and not dip their toes in the quicksand of compromise.