What do you think?
Rate this book
Dancing in No Man’s Land: Moving with Peace and Truth in a Hostile World
Are you tired of the conflict all around you?It happens over and over again. A political argument with a friend, a fight about racial issues on the internet, a disagreement with a coworker—at the first sign of conflict, we flee to a bunker with people who think like us and attack everyone else. We feel safe there, but it’s killing killing families, friendships, civility, and discourse.Our fractured world desperately needs a different people who will speak gently, value truth, and think clearly. Dancing in No Man’s Land is a rallying cry, a life-giving and practical journey into the way of Jesus that will revolutionize how you view conflict. You can choose to speak both truth and peace in the midst of war. You can step out of our bunkers and into no-man’s land, where only brave souls tread. It may look like you’re dodging cultural landmines. But you might just be learning how to dance.
- GenresChristianNonfiction
209 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 22, 2018
19 people are currently reading
219 people want to read
About the author
Brian Jennings
4 books10 followersBrian lives in Tulsa with his wife, Beth, and their four children. Brian preaches at Highland Park Christian Church and serves on the boards of Blackbox International (help for trafficked boys) and Ozark Christian College. He has written for Lookout Magazine, Christian Standard, and What's In The Bible. You can learn about his books, "Lead Your Family" and "Dancing in No Man's Land: Moving With Peace And Truth In A Hostile World" (May, 2018) at brianjenningsblog.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
April 7, 2022
I endorse this book for people who want to move past vitriol to peaceful cooperation, while not sacrificing truth.
In Dancing In No Man’s Land, Brian Jennings has written a book which is prophetic for our time, a time when people are lining up in warring camps, and bombarding one another with verbal jabs, insults and distorted truth from the safety of their bunker. This book is recommended for anyone who is entrenched in their bunker, and those who are considering jumping into a bunker because the threat of dancing in no man’s land has become too threatening.
In the first section (chapters 1-5), building off the thematic element of bunker warfare, the entrenchment model for battle in World War I, the author demonstrates the deadliness of our current bunker manner of dealing with disagreement and hostility. He then invites us to get out of our bunkers and dance in no man’s land. Our bunkers are those secure places we have built from which we can safely attack and demean others who disagree with us while huddling with those with whom we agree. No Man's Land is that place of risk between the trenches where we choose to learn to live in peace and grace because we've learned that we are not each others'enemies. The author diagnoses the problem and damage that our bunker mentalities inflict on the people around us and society in general from both a sociological and spiritual dimension.
In the second section (chapters 6-12), which the author states is his favorite part of the book, he leads the reader through several complementary aspects of character, which often may be seen as in conflict with one another, which are necessary to see us extricate ourselves from our bunkers and take the risk of dancing in no man’s land. These complementary aspects include Grace and truth; Wisdom and tact; Gentleness and strength; and Humility and courage, among others.
The real treat is in the final section (chapters 13-18) where the author applies the principles of breaking out of our bunkers to several areas in which our culture has become divided. While speaking to the issues of racial division, polarizing politics, class warfare, generational discord and faith fights, the author shows us how to walk the tightrope of grace and truth. We do not have to avoid these issues in polite company. The divisions can be addressed and healed as we hold onto our friendships with one another, as we treat each other with grace.
In Dancing In No Man’s Land, Brian Jennings has written a book which is prophetic for our time, a time when people are lining up in warring camps, and bombarding one another with verbal jabs, insults and distorted truth from the safety of their bunker. This book is recommended for anyone who is entrenched in their bunker, and those who are considering jumping into a bunker because the threat of dancing in no man’s land has become too threatening.
In the first section (chapters 1-5), building off the thematic element of bunker warfare, the entrenchment model for battle in World War I, the author demonstrates the deadliness of our current bunker manner of dealing with disagreement and hostility. He then invites us to get out of our bunkers and dance in no man’s land. Our bunkers are those secure places we have built from which we can safely attack and demean others who disagree with us while huddling with those with whom we agree. No Man's Land is that place of risk between the trenches where we choose to learn to live in peace and grace because we've learned that we are not each others'enemies. The author diagnoses the problem and damage that our bunker mentalities inflict on the people around us and society in general from both a sociological and spiritual dimension.
In the second section (chapters 6-12), which the author states is his favorite part of the book, he leads the reader through several complementary aspects of character, which often may be seen as in conflict with one another, which are necessary to see us extricate ourselves from our bunkers and take the risk of dancing in no man’s land. These complementary aspects include Grace and truth; Wisdom and tact; Gentleness and strength; and Humility and courage, among others.
The real treat is in the final section (chapters 13-18) where the author applies the principles of breaking out of our bunkers to several areas in which our culture has become divided. While speaking to the issues of racial division, polarizing politics, class warfare, generational discord and faith fights, the author shows us how to walk the tightrope of grace and truth. We do not have to avoid these issues in polite company. The divisions can be addressed and healed as we hold onto our friendships with one another, as we treat each other with grace.
May 29, 2018
What a helpful handbook for navigating the treacherous cultural landscape we find ourselves in. Both engaging and balanced, it calls us back to what God’s Word says about division and hatred. But of course it doesn’t simply leave it there. Brian Jennings provides insights and ideas for living in the in-between “sides” — without sacrificing conviction. It’s not about neutrality but nuance — about living out the and:
Grace and Truth
Wisdom and Tact
Gentleness and Strength
Conviction and Discernment
Shrewdness and Innocence
Humility and Courage*
* Titles from Part II: No Man’s Land
For fans of Scott Sauls’ BeFriend: create belonging in an age of judgment, isolation, and fear. Recommended for all who are, yes, tired of the conflict, but more importantly, are looking for a way forward. This book points the way.
Thanks to Tyndale House/NavPress for providing me this book free of charge. All opinions are mine.
Grace and Truth
Wisdom and Tact
Gentleness and Strength
Conviction and Discernment
Shrewdness and Innocence
Humility and Courage*
* Titles from Part II: No Man’s Land
For fans of Scott Sauls’ BeFriend: create belonging in an age of judgment, isolation, and fear. Recommended for all who are, yes, tired of the conflict, but more importantly, are looking for a way forward. This book points the way.
Thanks to Tyndale House/NavPress for providing me this book free of charge. All opinions are mine.
December 20, 2024
I highly recommend this book! Our growth group at church decided to read this after our pastor mentioned it in a sermon. It did not disappoint. It was encouraging, convicting, and thought provoking. The author uses the analogy of battlefield bunkers to our own lives and the subjects we take a stand on. We often stay in bunkers with other like-minded people and attack others who don’t agree with OUR stance. The book opened my eyes to ways I can listen to others’ views and respect/LOVE them in spite of differing opinions.
The author takes difficult controversial topics like politics, race, age, etc. and uses God’s word to redirect our thinking on how we are called to respond to others.
The author takes difficult controversial topics like politics, race, age, etc. and uses God’s word to redirect our thinking on how we are called to respond to others.
July 12, 2020
I saw this book recommended by a fellow reader and was very drawn in by the review. It is a powerful book that really makes you think about how you interact with others, especially on social media. It tells you God does NOT call us to bash one another and cause trouble. Instead it guides you back to the Bible to find out how you should interact with those that you don’t agree with. If you are feeling overwhelmed with all of the turmoil taking place around and with you, pick up this book for encouragement and guidance.
July 2, 2018
This book has changed how I approach social media and speaking in general. A must read. Personally, I am still in some bunkers. But now instead of pulling others to join me in my bunker, I am speaking and seeking truth and grace to get help to be pulled out.
January 2, 2021
Brian Jennings has given us a super timely any relevant read that is very worth your time. Brian hits the nail on the head, outlining a path forward in addressing the polarized times we find ourselves in.
May 5, 2018
Great message!
December 30, 2024
Wonderful perspective on having different viewpoints with others respectfully.
July 27, 2025
What a refreshing read! A definite recommend!
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews