I had never heard of Brant Hansen until a friend recommended this book to me. I must say, it was an enjoyable, relevant, and timely read. Hansen’s basic premise is that being offended by what others do is a choice we make, and not a very good one at that. He claims, “It is the taking offense, and the very presumption that I’m somehow entitled to be angry with someone, that I’m talking about” (2). Hansen challenges Christians to strive to be the least offendable people in society. He says, “I now think we should be the most refreshingly unoffendable people on the planet that seems to spin on an axis of offense” (3).
Hansen is a nationally syndicated radio personality based in California. He addresses one of the most pressing issues of our day. America is polarized into various camps that are all offended by each another. He argues that Christians often justify their anger by saying they should take a stand against that which is wrong or sinful. They often uphold “righteous indignation” as a holy calling in an evil world. Hansen asks, “Isn’t being offended part of being a Christian?” (2).
Hansen has a delightful way of tackling touchy issues by poking fun at himself and telling vivid stories. This book does not delve into deep theology or toss around excessive Greek words, yet it graciously and humbly encourages Christians to view life from a refreshingly new angle. I wrote a book several years ago called Putting a Face on Grace(aff) that looks at similar issues.
Hansen makes a case for being “unoffendable.” He notes that Christians often try to justify their anger by making it sound righteous or useful in accomplishing God’s work. But Hansen pushes back on these assumptions. He comments, “Problem is, ‘righteous anger’ directed at someone is pretty tricky. It turns out that I tend to find Brant Hansen’s anger more righteous than others’ anger. This is because I’m so darn right.” (5). He adds, “Anger does not enhance judgement” (8). He notes that we do not need to become angry in order to do the right thing. In fact, he asserts that people who angrily rant about a problem on Facebook or “like” a story about orphans online, for example, are statistically less likely to do anything constructive about the problem (94).
Hansen suggests that people look at frustrating moments in life as “forgiveness practice” (20). He suggests, “Perhaps part of being less offendable is seeing the human heart for what it is, Untrustworthy. Unfaithful. Prone to selfishness. Got it. Now we don’t have to be shocked” (32).
Hansen tells an interesting story about a man named Michael who bought a coffee shop in a part of town that was known for anything but Christian values (18). The coffee shop had always hosted an annual art show. The sponsors assumed the new Christian management would not want to promote the kind of art the event typically showcased. To their surprised, Michael encouraged the sponsors to hold the show at his shop. He and his wife dressed in formal attire and met everyone at the door. They even catered the event. Of course, they did not like every piece on display, but they chose to focus on loving people in their community rather than being offended. Their approach was revolutionary and eerily like Jesus.
Hansen suggests that when people do hurtful things, we can still choose not to be offended. He concludes, “It’s tiring to have to work through difficulties with people. But for what it’s worth, I’ve learned it’s way easier than starting over” (57). He urges, “Don’t condemn the culture; redeem it” (84). He challenges many Christian teachings that are not necessarily biblical. He refutes the concept of being “balanced.” He claims, “The kingdom of God knows nothing of balance” (155). He argues that “Loving people means divesting ourselves of our status” (172). Finally, he suggests, “ . . . if you’re constantly being hurt, offended, or angered, you should honestly evaluate your inflamed ego” (184).
I liked this book. In an age that is wholly intolerant of other people’s actions and attitudes, it is much-needed. Christians are not called to condemn unbelievers, but to love them. And it is possible to love sinners without agreeing with them or condoning their sin. Jesus did. Ultimately, Jesus did not draw sinners to Himself by expressing shock or anger. He transformed sinners into saints by loving them.
Read this book and then examine your relationships. Have you needlessly been offended by people you should be loving?
Rating: 4
