Just located another article that provides some interesting data and insight, along with links for further information. Of special interest is the link to Richard Mouw's speech and the description of his concept of "convicted civility". His speech gives a summary of his thinking on the topic. Here is the link to the article:
Part of the problem with difficult discussions is an increasing inability to listen to others. I've recently read a book that focuses on this essential part of conversation: The Power of Listening: Building Skills for Mission and Ministry by Lynne Baab. Each chapter develops another side of our capacity to do real and intentional listening. For example, a chapter is devoted to listening not to words but to that which is unspoken. Two chapters focus on listening to God. And one chapter is called "The Listening Toolbox" to describe ways in which we can develop our personal listening skills while we encourage our conversation partners to talk. But the book doesn't just give information; each of its chapters concludes with a section called "Questions for Reflection, Journaling, and Group Discussion." The questions help readers personalize and practice the topic of the chapter and provides excellent ways to take the art of listening into real life.
Posted in: Good Conversations on Polarizing Political Issues
Just located another article that provides some interesting data and insight, along with links for further information. Of special interest is the link to Richard Mouw's speech and the description of his concept of "convicted civility". His speech gives a summary of his thinking on the topic. Here is the link to the article:
https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2019/june-web-only/what-psychology-offers-christians-amid-political-polarizati.html
Posted in: Good Conversations on Polarizing Political Issues
Part of the problem with difficult discussions is an increasing inability to listen to others. I've recently read a book that focuses on this essential part of conversation: The Power of Listening: Building Skills for Mission and Ministry by Lynne Baab. Each chapter develops another side of our capacity to do real and intentional listening. For example, a chapter is devoted to listening not to words but to that which is unspoken. Two chapters focus on listening to God. And one chapter is called "The Listening Toolbox" to describe ways in which we can develop our personal listening skills while we encourage our conversation partners to talk. But the book doesn't just give information; each of its chapters concludes with a section called "Questions for Reflection, Journaling, and Group Discussion." The questions help readers personalize and practice the topic of the chapter and provides excellent ways to take the art of listening into real life.