Let’s state the obvious: Our cultural moment feels uniquely broken. Whether it’s political infighting, endless protests, or the pandemic’s lingering scars, incivility seems to be everywhere. Compounded by the ways online life divides us (I’ve seen the terms “cyberbalkanization” and “splinternet” thrown around), our posture toward one another is less open and more defensive.
Inside the church and out, we’re talking past each other, slapping labels on folks we disagree with, and caricaturing their views. We’re all feeling the squeeze—squeezed for the time it takes to have a real conversation and squeezed out of the healthy spaces where those conversations used to happen. We’re afraid of being misunderstood or “canceled,” and that fear just makes things worse. This hostile climate affects our bodies, our minds, and our relationships.
We all yearn for a comeback of basic civility, but here’s the thing—it’s not enough on its own. We need Jesus at the center, the One who mends what’s broken deep down. That’s where magnetic spaces fit in beautifully. They ease the immediate squeeze on our time by creating room for honest, kind conversations. At the same time, magnetic spaces open doors to lasting hope by pointing us toward the gospel.
Keep reading this article on The Gospel Coalition.