Mitch Carnell, a member and deacon at Charleston’s historic First Baptist Church, has converted his concern over a lack of civility in church and public life into a book he edited entitled “Christian Civility in an Uncivil World.”
“The thrust of this book,” said the consultant, speaker and writer, “is to explore ways for people of faith to talk to and about each other in a way that glorifies God and advances God’s kingdom.”
Carnell, who was the driving force behind the first observance in 2006 of “Say Something Nice Day” on June 1, noted in the book’s preface that “it is possible for Christians to retain their differences and yet unite in respect for each other. It is possible to love one another and at the same time retain our individual beliefs.”
“Christian Civility in an Uncivil World” contains eight essays by church leaders from a variety of traditions, including Baptists Jimmy Allen, who wrote “Bringing People of Faith Together”; Wade Burleson, whose essay is entitled “Christian Civility on the Internet”; and Thomas McKibbens, author of “The Minister as Friend.”
Carnell’s own essay, “The Power of Words,” closes the book with its reminder that “words are not empty vessels.”
“They are pregnant with meaning and laden with content,” Carnell wrote. “They evoke images and transmit feelings. They can hurt or heal and cause anger or heartache or comfort.”
“Each of us,” Carnell emphasized, “carries the power to heal, to reassure, to console, to encourage. Our words have the power to transform lives.”
Most of all, the Charleston writer said, “We want our words to mirror the image of the One who came to save us. Our speech is a sacred trust.”
“Christian Civility in an Uncivil World” retails for $17 and is available through its publisher, Smyth and Helwys, at www.helwys.com or by calling 1-800-747-3016. The book also is available through Amazon.com and at two Charleston locations – St. Michael’s Bookstore on Broad Street and Family Bookstore in Citadel Mall.