Consultant, author and speaker Mitch Carnell says dialogue between Christians of different denominations can often look more like the Tower of Babel than Pentecost.

That’s why he edited a new book, Christian Civility in an Uncivil World (Smyth & Helwys Publishing), a collection of essays from Baptist, Catholic, Episcopalian, evangelical and United Methodist contributors that shows how Christians can “explore ways for people of faith to talk to and about each other in a way that glorifies God and advances God’s kingdom.”

“It is possible,” writes Mr. Carnell, a Baptist layman, “for Christians to retain their differences and yet unite in respect for each other.” He spoke recently with managing editor Robin Russell.

Christians have always had differing opinions on theology and practice. Why is it so difficult today for us to be civil with one another?
I think it’s probably because our entire society in this country is divided about so many issues, and religion gets to be a part of that. And I think we have in many ways taken the foul rhetoric from the marketplace into religion. On the other hand, I think various churches in denominations have failed to lead in showing the ways that we can cooperate with one another.

What would civility look like among Christians?
I think we would recognize that basically we all believe some of the same things, and that we need to learn to respect each other and have dialogue with each other without becoming hostile. For instance, my own church, First Baptist Church of Charleston (S.C.), is actually the oldest Southern Baptist church in the South, formed in 1682. Our early ministers started inviting speakers with whom they did not necessarily agree. They felt the congregation needed to hear the various viewpoints. In 1751, the church passed a covenant that said, “We will live in harmony with all people and with Christians of whatever stripe in particular.” As you know, there has been lots of controversy in the Southern Baptist Convention as well as in other churches, but we have continued our tradition of inviting speakers from various groups.
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In the Christian community, our relationships should be more than civil. They should reach toward brotherhood and mutual concerns and actions.”  States Dr. Jimmy Allen writing in Christian Civility in an Uncivil World, a new book published by Smyth&Helwys. (www.helwys.com) In Baptist life there is no one on the scene today who rivals the contributions of Dr. Jimmy Allen. Not only is he recognized as one of the most outstanding preachers in America, he has headed some of the most prestigious organizations including the Radio and Television Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention, president of the Southern Baptist Convention and president of the General Baptist Convention of Texas.

            In more recent days he is the driving force along with former President Jimmy Carter of the New Baptist Covenant that brought together more than 30 different Baptist denominations and organizations in Atlanta. He is continuing that effort with many state and regional groups.

            Dr. Allen argues that Christians can work together to achieve noteworthy goals with respect for each other without giving up their individual beliefs. He stresses that cooperative spirit in his chapter, “Bringing People of Faith Together.” He contends that what is new is a shift to grassroots relationships. “Civility has moved from a Webster definition of merely being a part of the body politic into a mode of relating to each other with respect.”

            Editor Mitch Carnell said, “Dr. Allen’s spirit and warm personality fills any room in which he is present. When we first discussed the new book, Dr. Allen expressed immediate interest and enthusiasm for the project. I first met him in Fort Worth in 1986 at the ACTs Network and have been and I have been an admirer ever since.

The Internet should be a great connection point for people, a boost for business and a great opportunity for religious groups to spread their message. So often it is just the opposite. In many cases the Internet has become a weapon for destructive behavior. Even in some religious circles it is used to destroy programs, reputations and to undermine the local church.
Wade Burleson, an Enid, Oklahoma pastor and blogger, offers the “Ten Commandments for Christian Civility on the Internet” in the new book, Christian Civility in an Uncivil World, published by Smyth&Helwys (www.helwys.com).
Using Scripture as his base, his first commandment is, “We will seek to glorify God in all we write.” The test he says is would God be pleased with what we have written? The second commandment really tackles the issue of gossip and character destruction. “We refuse to post anything online that we wouldn’t say face to face.” He states that he will never hide behind anonymity unless what he writes would put him in physical danger.
Burleson is best known for kicking up a firestorm over his postings concerning policies of the International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention and for his campaign to elect the Rev. Frank Page of South Carolina as the president of the convention over the candidates supported by the convention’s leadership. Page was elected as a result of the Internet campaign. He is also the author of Hardball Religion published by Smyth&Helwys.

Mitch Carnell, a member and deacon at Charleston’s historic First Baptist Church, has converted his concern over a lack of civility in church and public life into a book he edited entitled “Christian Civility in an Uncivil World.”

“The thrust of this book,” said the consultant, speaker and writer, “is to explore ways for people of faith to talk to and about each other in a way that glorifies God and advances God’s kingdom.”

Carnell, who was the driving force behind the first observance in 2006 of “Say Something Nice Day” on June 1, noted in the book’s preface that “it is possible for Christians to retain their differences and yet unite in respect for each other. It is possible to love one another and at the same time retain our individual beliefs.”

“Christian Civility in an Uncivil World” contains eight essays by church leaders from a variety of traditions, including Baptists Jimmy Allen, who wrote “Bringing People of Faith Together”; Wade Burleson, whose essay is entitled “Christian Civility on the Internet”; and Thomas McKibbens, author of “The Minister as Friend.”Carnell’s own essay, “The Power of Words,” closes the book with its reminder that “words are not empty vessels.”“They are pregnant with meaning and laden with content,” Carnell wrote. “They evoke images and transmit feelings. They can hurt or heal and cause anger or heartache or comfort.”

“Each of us,” Carnell emphasized, “carries the power to heal, to reassure, to console, to encourage. Our words have the power to transform lives.”

Most of all, the Charleston writer said, “We want our words to mirror the image of the One who came to save us. Our speech is a sacred trust.”

“Christian Civility in an Uncivil World” retails for $17 and is available through its publisher, Smyth and Helwys, at www.helwys.com or by calling 1-800-747-3016. The book also is available through Amazon.com and at two Charleston locations — St. Michael’s Bookstore on Broad Street and Family Bookstore in Citadel Mall.

CHRISTIAN CIVILITY IN AN UNCIVIL WORLD. Edited by C. Mitch Carnell. Smyth & Helwys. 160 pages. $17.

Mitch Carnell, a lay leader at Charleston’s historic First Baptist Church, is concerned about a lack of civility in public affairs and church life. His concern has led him to edit an insightful book called “Christian Civility in an Uncivil World.”

The essays are written by notable church leaders representing various Christian traditions. John Gehring and Alexia Kelley are Roman Catholic laypersons who write about mediating and modulating too much inflammatory rhetoric and negotiating the politics of the church they know and love.

The Rev. Sally Dyck, bishop of the United Methodist Church, Minnesota Conference, draws on a distinctive Wesleyan tradition she terms “Holy Conferencing.” Dyck outlines an approach to negotiating and problem-solving designed to minimize the unfortunate consequences of a church life reduced to “winners” and “losers.” She has adapted this approach from Methodism’s founder John Wesley.

Another bishop, the Rev. Stacy Sauls of the Episcopal Diocese of Lexington, Ky., who is also an attorney, writes with notable pastoral sensitivity concerning the conflict in the church he loves and serves surrounding the matter of one’s sexual orientation.

In this essay, Sauls declares, “What We Need is More Maturity.” Except I found myself wondering if the notion of being “more mature,” however kindly presented, might still provoke anyone conflicted or threatened about such a polarizing subject.

Likely the most public of those writing in this book is the Rev. Richard Mouw, a Presbyterian and president of Fuller Theological Seminary.

A leading figure among American evangelicals, Mouw’s chapter, “Good Manners for Public Christians,” is reflective of his firm convictions and kind and considerate spirit, evident when he addresses hot-button issues in the world of religion and culture.

Carnell’s essay, “The Power of Words,” not only reveals how hurtful interpersonal communication can be, it offers thoughtful guidance for improving interpersonal relations through a greater awareness of responsible and considerate ways of speaking and listening, both verbal and nonverbal.

Having spent his professional lifetime studying “The Power of Words,” its intricacies and subtleties, Carnell’s contribution to improved civility for the church in the world is worthy indeed.

The chapter contains numerous evocative quotes from both well-known and lesser-known people. One that sparked my imagination was Mark Twain’s: “The difference between the right word and the almost right word is like the difference between lightning and the lightning bug.”

Plus, the theological/biblical foundation Carnell offers is particularly significant for any Christian discussion of “civility.”

Three representative Baptist ministers also are contributors. Jimmy Allen describes important efforts in “Bringing People of Faith Together,” drawing on conflict involving Southern Baptists over several decades.

Tom McKibben’s “The Minister as Friend” is written from the perspective of someone who has served two different American Baptist congregations in Massachusetts. His is an important contribution to the practice of pastoral theology.

Wade Burleson, another Southern Baptist, who has developed quite a reputation as a blogger, writes the essay “Christian Civility on the Internet.”

“Christian Civility in an Uncivil World” is a readable book, as conversational as it is intellectually, morally and spiritually stimulating, and sure to appeal to anyone concerned about conflict in and outside of church life.

Carnell has joined with an impressive array of thoughtful, faithful church leaders in producing an important book I commend to both clergy and laity.

Reviewer the Rev. Robert M. Knight, pastor of First Christian Church of Charleston 

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