Troubling the Water: The Urgent Work of Radical Belonging

Can you imagine a world where you have to live with people you hate? If not, what's next?

Ben McBride, a courageous and visionary leader, wrote a book called Troubling the Water about the violence and injustice that threaten to destroy us all. He recounts his own experiences in Oakland, Ferguson, and the white evangelical church. Like Bryan Stevenson and Bishop William Barber, McBride tells the truth about our current situation, even when it's difficult to hear.

McBride argues that true belonging requires us to examine our biases, our understanding of power, and how we see ourselves and others. Sometimes, it even means stirring up trouble by speaking hard truths in situations where injustice is hidden.

McBride uses provocation and humor to lead us beyond inaction and polemic. He offers a manifesto for troubled times, calling on us to ask not what we need to do to create a world where everyone belongs, but who we need to become.

Building a shared humanity is messy and difficult. Peacemaking can sound corny and staying apart seems safer. But if we don't want violence to increase, we're running out of options. McBride reminds us that the only way to find real healing is to wade into conflict and stir up truth.