Reactivity: How the Gospel Forms and Transforms Our Reactions

In this ho-hum treatise, Christian minister Tripp (Do You Believe?) calls for more humane conduct on social media. Lamenting the cacophony of online discourse, Tripp encourages readers to look to the Bible for moral guidance and to fight back against social media’s “culture of toxic reactivity.” He suggests John’s declaration that “God is love” means that Christians should privilege love above other goals, such as winning an argument or making a quippy comeback. “I am regularly shocked by the manner at which ‘Christians’ talk to one another online,” Tripp writes, likening such contentious discussion to Phariseeism because combative Christians profess to follow God but prioritize righteousness above comity. He encourages readers to follow the example of Jesus, who “was disrespected more than” anyone else but, rather than retaliating, remained concentrated on doing God’s will. Christians should be humble and acknowledge their limits, Tripp contends, which requires admitting one’s sins and that one doesn’t know everything. His calls to quell online rancor with Christian love are well-intentioned, but readers hoping for more pragmatic advice will want to look elsewhere. This rose-colored outing doesn’t quite hit the mark. (Oct.)