Standing for Reason: The University in a Dogmatic Age by John Sexton argues persuasively for a return to more open debate on campus and, as a result, more nuanced and useful public debate. I read this book in tandem with Religion in the University by Nicholas Wolterstorff and taken together they make a strong and positive case for not just our universities but our currently polarized society.

Sexton's argument is full of very solid points, good research, and success using these ideas. It is laid out in a way that is easy to follow. Part of laying the groundwork is refuting the propaganda that conservatives have been overrun in the university by liberals. Yes, conservatives have decreased in percentage but liberals have not increased. The increase went to those who call themselves moderate. With the current state of what passes for conservatism being so extreme, many of the moderates would likely have been conservative a couple decades ago but hesitate to self-identify as such for fear of being associated with the extremists currently holding the term "conservative" hostage.

The university must return to being a safe place for open and nuanced debate and discussion of just about any topic. Even when it means allowing offensive (to some) speakers on campus. The key, of course, is the context of how they are welcomed to campus. Not a pep rally for an extreme view, regardless of which end of the spectrum. Time for a Q&A and perhaps a rebuttal. Part of a series that includes views all along whatever topic spectrum there is.

At the core of this is what Sexton calls "secular ecumenism." The same concept when used about Christianity, or various religions, but applied to all of the diversity in the world. Diverse people, diverse thoughts, and diverse solutions. These should all be open to critique, debate, and reconsideration. Religion is certainly included here, not in a dogmatic fashion but as a part of what makes society what it is. Only the space for open discourse is sacred, not any specific idea. If you aren't open to critique and discussion about your ideas, whatever they may be, maybe you don't understand your own beliefs and ideas as well as you want others to believe you do.

If more people experience this type of environment during their formative years then it will carry over to the public sphere. Social, cultural, religious, and political conflicts then might be characterized by nuanced and thoughtful debate rather than who can scream loudest, gerrymander the most, or get the most big dollar contributions (with strings attached). The world is getting smaller and we can't keep othering everyone over each and every difference or there will be no group larger than a handful that might be enough alike to care about each other.

I highly recommend this book for those concerned about higher education and/or our toxic polarized society.

Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.

The author wrote a brilliant book on how to move forward in a society that is so interconnected that they do not want to utilize critical thinking. I found this to be a really informative read.

I am very sorry. I did it again. I downloaded a book that does not include the option of reading it on a kindle. I only read books on kindle so I have no real opinion on this book.