Pope Francis has applied the principle of 'the whole is greater than its parts' to ecumenical and interreligious contexts. For example, Pope Francis often speaks about a unity that is greater than its parts in terms of the polyhedron. Unity born of a polyhedron preserves difference, and unity born of the sphere reinforces homogeneity. The epoch of globalization invites us to think about the cultural and economic exchanges in the world today in such a way that difference is never abandoned for the sake of wanton hegemony. Pope Francis has thus applied this new notion of encounter to questions of ecumenism and interreligious dialogue. Christians can be encouraged not only to seek greater unity amongst themselves but also to bear witness to their faith to seek greater unity among Christians and, with no less vigor, to advance understanding with adherents to non-Christian systems of belief. In this process, Protestants, Catholics, Muslims, Christians, and Jews can learn about one another through a consideration of the complementarities between the two kinds of dialogue. The more we address the specific challenges and blessings of each particular dialogue, the more we become true agents of dialogue for the Church and for the world.

Christianity Today Book of the Year award of Merit We generally assume that those sitting around us in church share our beliefs. But when our personal convictions are contested by fellow Christians, everything changes. We feel attacked from behind. When other Christians doubt or deny our convictions, we don't experience it as a mere difference of opinion, but as a violation of an unspoken agreement. Tim Muehlhoff and Rick Langer offer a guide to help Christians navigate disagreements with one another. In today's polarized context, Christians often have committed, biblical rationales for very different positions. How do we discern between core biblical convictions and secondary issues? How do we cultivate better understanding and compassion for those we disagree with? Muehlhoff and Langer provide lessons from conflict theory and church history on how to avoid the dangers of groupthink and how to negotiate differing biblical convictions to avoid church splits and repair interpersonal ruptures. Christian unity is possible. Discover how we can navigate differences by speaking in both truth and love.