Daniel Darling’s new book, The Dignity Revolution is a powerful and convicting read. It confronts some of our nation’s most hotly-debated topics while encouraging the refocus of an individual’s decision-making matrix through the all-important filter of the gospel message.
An essential read for Christians everywhere, Darling makes a case for a much-needed quiet revolution, what he calls “the “human dignity movement.” He states, “every human being, no matter who they are, no matter where they are, no matter what they have done or have had done to them — possess dignity, because every human is created in the image of God.”
Sadly, this core truth of Christianity is often forgotten and or neglected when many attempt to tackle some of our culture’s most pressing issues. Through chapters on timely topics like racism, abortion, religious liberty, the pitfalls of self-love, our nation’s obsession with technology, and more, Darling is able to remind readers of this important Christian theology and challenge them to live it out.
To be frank, I don’t see myself sharing all of Darling’s political views, but that isn’t his point. The book isn’t written to persuade one to adopt specific political beliefs or to come to his same policy conclusions. Instead, it causes the reader to more closely align oneself with biblical truths as we grapple with the cultural issues of our time.
This book moves past the labels of Republicans and Democrats and looks to the common ground of all believers, the mission to love others, as God first loved us. As my pastor, Steve King, of Cherrydale Baptist Church in Arlington, Va., often says, “We are not elephants or donkeys, we are sheep” — meaning, as Christians, we are commissioned to follow the Good Shepherd and his calling for our life, not to find our identity in the political party of our choice.
The Dignity Revolution isn’t just for those who wade in the power circles of D.C.; it’s a valuable read for all stages of life and levels of influence. Darling’s book challenges everyone to pursue community and take actions to invest in the service of others, service that can yield a real and lasting impact in society.
It seems almost impossible to me that one would finish this book and not feel inspired or encouraged to do more for those around them.
Mary Vought (@MaryVought) is president of Vought Strategies LLC and a senior communications analyst.
