Don’t Let Nobody Turn You Around
By Justin Giboney (InterVarsity Press, 2025)
Since the second half of the 20th century, culture wars have infiltrated the Catholic Church in the United States. Hot-button topics include abortion and contraception, and in the present century have expanded to include racism, LGBTQ+ inclusion, religious tolerance, and Christian nationalism, among other polarizing issues. Given Catholics’ obligation to address social issues from the standpoint of Christian morality, not culture wars, I recommend Justin Giboney’s Don’t Let Nobody Turn You Around: How the Black Church’s Public Witness Leads Us out of the Culture War.
Giboney shares his perspective not only as an ordained minister, lawyer, and political activist, but as one steeped in the multigenerational history and practice of the Black church. Utilizing a framework that Catholics can appreciate, Giboney advocates a both/and approach to polarizing topics. Referencing historical evidence from the Black church, particularly during the civil rights era, Giboney proposes a moral compass for defending the oppressed and marginalized, in collaboration with secular movements—while not ignoring the conflicts that relate to the moral formation of one’s Christian faith.
Giboney notes that neither the left nor the right adequately represents the Christian faith. One need not choose a side but should enter the conflict with compassion and courage, rooted in the fruits of the Spirit, so that joy, peace, and patience are the markers of our engagement—as opposed to discord. Our side is neither the left nor the right. Our side is with the Lord.
This book offers a challenging yet compelling perspective on social engagement that can guide Catholics in their political decisions. We need not be cemented in the culture war. But if we are fueled by the Spirit, we can respond to issues wisely, without compromising our values amid social pressure.
—Matt Kappadakunnel
Beauty + Resistance
By Jonathan P. Walton (InterVarsity Press, 2025)
Judging by his activist career and the passion with which he writes about social justice, Jonathan P. Walton clearly has a natural-born talent for resistance. But, as he recounts in this book, overwork nearly brought him to the brink of personal breakdown. He shares how, with self-reflection, prayer, and professional help, he found ways to include beauty and cycles of rest in his daily life and relationships so he could be more effective in his public roles and as a thought leader in political discipleship.
Balancing the cross and the resurrection is important for every Christian. Some readers, myself included, gravitate to the rhythms of repair. To support such efforts, Walton offers his hard-won, personally tested suggestions. These include the use of goal-driven calendars, rituals, and supportive poems and prayers. He even shares some of his mother’s recipes, as he adds baking to his family rituals.
What about the resistance half? I’m increasingly pained by the world’s suffering, worsened as it is by Christian support of unjust policies. However, as a white woman of privilege, I have not been pained enough, settling for bland lip service to Jesus’ command to love my neighbor as myself. Walton understands that we cannot continue this “conformity to the current system of colossal inequality.” He explains clearly how “colonial structures of power, knowledge, and hierarchy shape modern society even after the end of the formal colonial structure.”
Walton has personally experienced racism. Nevertheless, as he remains committed to responding in Christian love and forgiveness, he has a lot to offer readers, even beyond what the book’s title suggests.
—Maryann Hannan
Briefly noted:
Our Treasures Within
By Pope Francis, Peter H. Reynolds, and Paul A. Reynolds (Loyola Press)
Pope Francis’ words, which gain new vibrance through eye-catching illustrations, promise to guide children into discerning and celebrating their gifts through this picture book.
A Black Queer History of the United States
By C. Riley Snorton and Darius Bost (Beacon Press)
In this historical deep dive, revisit the presence and impact of queer Black figures like Josephine Baker and Amanda Milan in the struggle for racial, sexual, and gender justice.
Love Your Neighbor: How Psychology Can Enliven Faith and Transform Community
By Katherine M. Douglass and Brittany M. Tausen (Eerdmans Publishing)
Douglass and Tausen take on a familiar biblical message from a psychological perspective, sharing practical strategies and exercises for readers to live into Christ’s call.
This article also appears in the February 2026 issue of U.S. Catholic (Vol. 91, No. 2, page 39). Click here to subscribe to the magazine.
Add comment