Writer/Activist/Writer John Pavlovitz visits to discuss the state of America’s politics from a humane perspective as he introduces his new book “Worth Fighting For: Finding Courage and Compassion When Cruelty Is Trending.”
John Pavlovitz on ‘Worth Fighting For’
Podcasts (Video — Audio)
In a recent edition of “Politics Right,” I welcomed John Pavlovitz, a dynamic figure whose work as a writer, pastor, activist, and storyteller has sparked conversations across the globe. Pavlovitz, hailing from Wake Forest, North Carolina, has garnered over 100 million views on his thought-provoking blog “Stuff That Needs to Be Said.” His commitment to equality, diversity, and justice, both within and beyond faith communities, is evident in his extensive body of work, which includes notable titles such as “A Bigger Table,” “If God Is Love, Don’t Be a Jerk,” and his latest contribution, “Worth Fighting For.” This book, particularly poignant in its timing, arrives as the nation stands at a crucial electoral crossroads, seeking to ignite courage and compassion in a time when cruelty seems all too prevalent.
Pavlovitz’s journey has been anything but conventional. Once a pastor within the traditional church setting, he found his voice and calling outside its confines, especially after advocating for the rights of the LGBTQ community—a stance that cost him his position but liberated his conscience. His transition from a church leader to an outspoken advocate for social justice reflects a profound transformation, driven by the need to speak truth to power and embody the values he champions.
Throughout the conversation, Pavlovitz emphasized the necessity of being a visible and vocal presence in the world, particularly in the face of injustice and atrocity. His assertion that we suffer from a “poverty of empathy” underscores a critical gap in our collective consciousness, which he seeks to bridge through his work and advocacy. His approach is not one of division but of building bridges—encouraging dialogue, understanding, and a shared commitment to creating a more compassionate planet.
Pavlovitz’s perspective on activism is both refreshing and challenging. He contends that activism need not be confined to grand gestures or large platforms; instead, it begins in the “small and close” of our lives. In these intimate spaces, we wield our most significant influence through everyday acts of kindness, understanding, and empathy. This grassroots approach to change emphasizes the power of individual action, a theme that resonates deeply in a society often fixated on the movements of those in traditional positions of power.
The concept of “sphere of influence” plays a significant role in Pavlovitz’s philosophy. He argues that each of us possesses the ability to impact our immediate environments, and through collective action, these ripples can transform the broader social landscape. This view is empowering and essential in a time when the challenges we face as a society seem insurmountable. Pavlovitz offers a blueprint for sustained, meaningful engagement with the world around us by focusing on what we can do rather than what we cannot.
Pavlovitz’s work, particularly “Worth Fighting For,” is a clarion call for courage and compassion in an era of divisiveness and cruelty. It challenges readers to confront their biases, engage with the world with empathy, and commit to the hard work of building a society that reflects the values of justice, equality, and human dignity. In a political landscape often characterized by cynicism and despair, Pavlovitz’s voice stands out as a beacon of hope and a reminder that the fight for a better world is always worth it.
As the nation grapples with the complexities of its identity and values, figures like John Pavlovitz remind us of the power of individual conviction and the importance of standing up for what we believe. His journey from the pulpit to the public sphere embodies the transformative potential of speaking out, not just as an act of defiance but as a profound expression of love for humanity. In doing so, Pavlovitz challenges us to rethink our roles in the fight for justice and offers a vision of what a more empathetic and inclusive America could look like. It is a vision “Worth Fighting For,” now more than ever.
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