I received this book free from Netgalley in return for an honest review. I had to force myself to continue reading it after the first chapter or so. The author’s own words contradict his obvious thoughts and feelings. He started with a blatant political bias and distorted facts throughout to preach a superficial “love your neighbor” message that actually was a thinly-disguised “approve and affirm every attitude and action in the name of love” doctrine, which is contradictory to Biblical teaching. I find it hard to imagine that any thinking person can draw some of the conclusions he drew from actions of people he was obviously predisposed to dislike and find fault with. In terms of writing skill and structural accuracy, the book is acceptable.

Worth Fighting For is the first book I read by John Pavlovitz. He has some good points and his heart is in the right place. I think his anger towards the world is not all Republicans or Trumps fault though. I think it is on both sides of the aisle. This country has become a "If you don't agree with me you are wrong and should be blacklisted" type of mentality. Everyone should have their own opinions but no one should be hated for those opinions or even worse killed.

His book does give us hope. Hope that whether you are Republican, Democrat, gay, straight, black, white, we can all work together in harmony to make this country as great as it once was. Hope that, even though we all have differing opinions, we can still coexist as a nation and treat people with respect and love. It will take us all to overcome what is happening in this world. The question is, are we going to step up or just read a book and write a review about it.

Thank you NetGalley and John Pavlovitz for giving me the opportunity to have HOPE.

Many people may feel overwhelmed and defeated by the current situation. Pavlovitz reminds us there is much worth fighting for. Each of us still has great agency in the decisions we make and the way we use our time and resources.

Pavlovitz is not shy in his opinions. He'll irritate evangelical Christians I am sure with his view that the GOP is unwell and our leaders in the U.S. are really unwell. He is sickened by this thing called Christianity and says Jesus would be horrified by it. (73) Pavlovitz is more concerned with people being loved and getting the help they need than he is about right doctrine. The way you treat others, he says, is the only meaningful expression of your belief system. (62) “[Love] is still the antidote to all that afflicts us.” (61) He encourages us to do the difficult work of loving the people we dislike. (44)

I appreciate this collection of short essays Pavlovitz has written on a variety of subjects. While I do not agree with all he says, I found his writings thought provoking and a wake up call to those of us calling ourselves Christians. He encourages us to be Christlike, being the best people we can possibly be. This is a book offering hope to those who feel hopeless.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

I've followed John Pavlovitz for ages on social media and through his blog posts. I agree with so much of what he says and was excited to see his book available here on NetGalley. I was not disappointed. He is an excellent writer and speaks from his heart. I enjoyed this book and I'm thankful to have had the opportunity to read it.

John Pavolvitz is as exhausted by the current culture as the next guy. However, he remains hopeful and encouraging that society can become less dark and that there is still compassion and love and connection in the world. A good read for all the downtrodden among us.

Note: Thank you to NetGalley, Westminster John Knox Press, and John Pavlovitz for the advanced reader copy of the book. What follows is my unbiased review of the book.

I’ve followed John Pavlovitz for many years on social media, and read a few of his books. In many ways, he is a breath of fresh air in the religious landscape. As a progressive Christian, I’ve struggled over the years with the version of Christianity the media pushes to the forefront. It does not represent what I believe. It does not represent the Church I knew growing up. Worth Fighting For is a book for those of us who are among the faithful who have felt the disillusionment of organized religion over the years, especially in the last eight years or so. I highly recommend it to people who are struggling with their faith and feel that there is no place for them in the church in this country.

I immediately felt heard in this book. Having been active politically since I was young, I have felt tired and burned out over the last decade. Pavlovitz gets to the heart of that feeling. He tells me it’s okay to feel that way and it’s okay to need a rest from all of the hatred that seems to permeate our lives these days.

I have often said that we have stopped appreciating the concept of rest. We take vacations where we have to be doing something all the time, instead of giving our bodies and brains a chance to rest.

I’ve seen this on social media where people who claim to be Christian verbally assault those who need support, instead of showing compassion. Isn’t Jesus all about compassion? Doesn’t he even plead for his Father to show compassion to those who crucified him? That is what we are called to do. It’s not easy. I find myself having a hard time with it at times. That’s why reading a book where the author confronts those feelings head-on is so important.

Pavlovitz has no problem pointing out the hypocrisy of these Christians as they advocate shooting immigrants all the while claiming to be “pro-life.” He gets to the heart of what causes problems for so many people of faith who truly do believe “all lives matter” in this current climate.

He brings up important points I hadn’t thought of. If we truly believe “God is in control” then who are we to question how people see themselves? Aren’t they the best authority on their existence as a child of God?

The book is a series of essays that conveys the current climate exceptionally well. He touches on the divisions between family and neighbors and how it’s important to try to still have a dialogue with people when it’s possible. He sets ground rules for that, which might be a problem for many. It’s hard to invite someone to the table when they devalue someone’s humanity. He acknowledges that having the dialogue means people have to be open and affirm everyone’s humanity.

I loved Worth Fighting For. It was exactly what I needed to read. It is affirming for Progressive Christians and for other marginalized people in the current political climate. Pavlovitz reinforces many of my own beliefs and gives me plenty more to think about, while at the same time pointing out that we need to see each others’ humanity, even those we see as the enemy.

I thought this book was very hypocritical. Trying to send a message about hate being wrong by turning around and blaming republicans and Trump for all the supposed bad in the world was just disgusting.

This is the first book I've read by John Pavlovitz, but after reading the synopsis, I felt like it was just the thing I needed, and I wasn't wrong. For anybody who is alarmed at the direction politics are taking in the US, with the enmity and divisiveness and the attacks on the rights of women, minorities and LGBTQ+ people, this is the book for you, too. While acknowledging all of that, and more, the message John Pavlovitz gets across is that there is still hope, and that kindness and faith will go a long way towards learning how to look at things in a more positive light. It's not a saccharine message, but is more encouraging, and this book, told in small essays, helps you figure out where to start, and how to approach different situations in a kinder, more accepting way. Does it tell you how to change people's opinions and personal beliefs? No. But it does give you advice on how to avoid the pitfalls and negativity that strong opinions sometimes stir up. I, personally, have become so skeptical of anything labeled "Christian" that I feel like I immediately go on the defensive when confronted with it, and this author has given me ways to stop doing that, to know which battles and situations are worth it, and which are best avoided, without preaching at the reader (pardon the pun).

This was a very quick read at only 176 pages, and definitely worth your time if you want to take a step back, ditch the stress, and just breathe.

5/5 stars.

*** I would like to thank NetGalley, Westminster John Knox Press, and John Pavlovitz for the opportunity to read and review Worth Fighting For.

Those who follow Pavlovitz's blog or twitter posts or who have read his previous books will not be surprised at this collection of essays that decry the meanspiritedness and spite that seem to have taken over much of our popular culture and social media.

He has harsh words for those who use Christianity to bludgeon marginalized groups and questions the value of current organized Christianity. Pavlovitz observes that we are sick as a country, a condition that is fueled by opportunistic politicians. He expresses dismay at the loss of our rights and argues that righteous anger, as modeled by Jesus, is to be valued and used to fuel change.

Pavlovitz speaks for many of in our society who have watched with alarm the deterioration of American discourse, as cruelty has replaced compassion, and who aspire to social justice.

A strong read for those open to its message, which is ultimately hopeful.

Full Disclosure--NetGalley and the publisher provided me with a digital ARC of this book. This is my honest review.

Thanks to #NetGally and #Westminster John Knox. press for an ARC ebook.

What is not to like about this book? Thought provoking, engaging, hopeful and pure common sense.
The way the world is today with all the hate and fear mongering, one’s emotions can spiral out of control. Reading John’s book can help bring you back to center.

Are you looking for a way to get your positive outlook back in this time of super hate and diversion? Well, if you, then you should pick this book up. I found it helpful and encouraging. We need to get back to the talk to your neighbors and respect each other way of life. This book, can help you rest your mind and be the one who starts it.

If you are a fan of John Pavlovitz, you will enjoy reading this. You will also recognize some of the writings that were previously released. You get new writings as well. If you aren't compatible with his belief system, like supporting LGBTQ+ rights, this might not be the one for you. Then again, getting another perspective can be eye opening.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for advanced copy, and I give my review freely

This advance readers copy was provided to me by the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

One of the saddest things in my life is that I am a professional theologian and a regular churchgoer, and I know that if I see the word “Christian” on something, I am more than likely going to hate it. Christian music, Christian film and TV, Christian board games – if it’s labeled explicitly Christian, it will be at odds with my theology and my experience of Jesus. John Pavlovitz feels the same way.

Pavlovitz was a youth pastor and church leader for over twenty years until he was let go from his church for supporting LGBTQ rights. Since then he has become an influential blogger and speaker around the country supporting a progressive Christian theology. (Or, as he quotes one of his speaking partners in the book, “Progressive Christian theology is just Christian theology, period.”) This book is a collection of his blogs supporting progressive Christians in Trumpian times, both to be courageous about standing up for justice and to listen to the other side and the pain they are coming from.

That dual impulse is at the heart of Pavlovitz’s ambivalence about this whole project – and mine. Pavlovitz is at his best when he recognizes the fear and the honest devotion of the Christians who are marching against abortion, queer rights, and women’s right to preach. He is at his worst when he gets super worked up and demonizes those same folks in anger. To Pavolvitz’s credit, he recognizes this latter impulse as unproductive. But he still indulges it anyway. This is a book of blog posts that were written and posted in the same day. And it reads that way.

To be incredibly clear, John Pavlovitz and I are super on the same side. Women have a right to decide what they do with their bodies, including abortion. LGBTQIA+ people are beloved children of God just the same as any other human being, including being leaders in and out of the church. And Christian nationalism is a heretical abomination both to the gospel of Christ and to American democracy. But we Christians are called to the higher road. To love our enemies without agreeing with them, as Genesis Be does in a powerful story in the essay “Be Brave.” To listen to folks who voted for Trump out of their Christian conviction and tell our story courageously back, as in “Sitting with Stories.” We will win our way through this terrifying split in American culture by living in hope, standing in courage, and listening with love. Take those parts of Pavolvitz’s book and Jesus’ message, and maybe we’ll all get through this all right.

I am a retired UCC licensed pastor who now has much difficulty with most organized religion. I am a fan of John Pavlovitz and find his theology to be straightforward and compatible with my own beliefs. I think that many people would find this book to be both educational and hopeful. I'm very grateful to #NetGalley and #WestminsterJohnKnox for the ARC

Like many other progressives, I’m finding it difficult these days to be optimistic, much less at peace, about the state of the world and of the country I live in. Everywhere I look, cruelty is on display. (And what is it, anyway, about cruelty that it seems so necessary to humanity? I’ll never get that.) Looking for joy can often seem not just an uphill battle, but a misplaced sense of priorities. How can there be joy when so many people are suffering so terribly?

I’ve also long found wisdom and balance in John Pavlovitz’ writings, even when he’s angry about something (and perhaps especially when he’s angry about something), and his new book, Worth Fighting For, is one I’ll be reading again and again. It’s not all new material—in fact, I found some of my own favorites there, passages I’d previously underlined elsewhere—but put together in a seamless narrative that manages to show solidarity with our frustration and anger, point towards ways in which we have agency to find solutions, and, amazingly, still find joy in the world.

The advice Pavlovitz gives isn’t unique to him; perhaps it feels unique in his flowing use of language that draws the reader in as though it were in fact a conversation. And while he is himself rooted and speaking out of his own faith tradition, it’s pretty universal and perhaps even obvious advice: Wake up every day and choose to be happy. Fight for the rights of others. Work for justice and be outraged when it is denied. Surround yourself with positive people. Never get comfortable with cruelty and brutality. Love is the greatest weapon we have in the face of fear.

Perhaps obvious, but clearly not embraced by many, which is turn makes it a little less obvious. I am reminded of something Chesterton wrote, that “The Christian ideal has not been tried and found wanting. It has been found difficult; and left untried.”

It’s undeniably difficult to wake up and consciously search for joy. It’s difficult to reject the negativity being thrown at us daily and find a way to create change. Many of us struggle with these things. But when you read Pavlovitz, you start to believe that, no matter how difficult, those things are actually possible.

And that’s maybe enough.

Thanks to @netgalley for the chance to review Worth Fighting For by John Pavlovitz. All opinions are my own.

I appreciated the social justic component, but was admittedly nervous about the religious undertones of the book at first. I was pleasantly surprised and grateful that it did not seem "preachy", rather took an unflinching look at ideas that are driving people from church. This was heavily political, as one might expect - one chapter was titled: "Our Young Men Deserve Better than MAGA Masculinity". Pavlovitz presented information about the zealousness of some Christians in regard to abortion and sexuality and offered that some ideas will need to be accepted in order to move forward.
The further I read, however, the more I appreciated the author's style of writing and his ability to provoke thought... In one particularly poignant chapter, he talks about the worth of Black lives. After speaking of George Floyd, the author is empathetic and describes that "there would be no limit to what I'd do to demand [my loved ones] receive in death what they did not receive in life: decency - to be seen and treated as fully human."

While it was difficult to read at times, the author's goal of inclusion and compassion ring clear.

"Worth Fighting For" is a relatively brief yet meaningful collection of Pavlovitz essays past and present. It's a collection that could easily be said to feature Pavlovitz's most important writing from the past several years along with some new essays. You'll get the Pavlovitz we've always known - bold yet empathetic, angry yet hopeful, and fiercely opinionated yet open-minded.

While there's little denying that "Worth Fighting For" finds much of its thematic inspiration from "the years of Trump's hate-mongering campaign and presidency," Pavlovitz is is more concerned with inspiring us to love our neighbors and strangers than he is going on an actual attack.

Ina world as uncertain as ours, Pavlovitz gives hope. His essays are always timely, and address important topics. The political climate of late is a scary time. Reading these essays reminds me of what we are fighting for, and the world we want to live in.

Thanks to NetGalley and Westminster John Knox Press for this Advanced Reader’s Copy of Worth Fighting For by John Pavlovitz due to be published April 2, 2024.
Worth Fighting For is outside my normal genre of thriller, but I thought it sounded interesting, and it was!
We are not only a divided America, but a rude and mean and hateful America. It is a scary time when rights for women, blacks, LGTB, and transgender people being taken away. John Pavlovitz tells us we need motivation within ourselves to keep fighting for justice.
As the mother of a gay son, I have always fought for rights for him and others. His advice is simple and straightforward – wake up every day and choose to be happy. Fight for the rights of others. Work for justice and be outraged when it is denied. Surround yourself with positive people. Never get comfortable with cruelty and brutality. Love is the greatest weapon we have in the face of fear.
This was such a wonderful book that everyone should read – he says that if every American lived and treated each other equally we would live in such a more peaceful world where everyone was kind to others and tolerant of others’ beliefs. Is it too farfetched? John Pavlovitz encourages all to try.
I highly recommend this book!
#NetGalley #JohnPavlovitz #WestminsterJohnKnoxPress #Worth Fighting For

unfortunately the download gave me a draft which is totally illegible. Hence I am unable to read the book. It sounded interesting but I can’t know.