Learning to Engage in Civil Discourse

In the current politically charged climate, discussing any issue is difficult and can sometimes feel dangerous. The lack of civil discourse in society is concerning. In the book I Think You're Wrong (But I'm Listening): A Guide to Grace-Filled Conversations, Sarah Stewart Holland and Beth A. Silvers tackle this issue and provide readers with skills and resources to discuss issues in a productive manner. The authors not only write about how to discuss issues productively but also live out these concepts in their podcast Pantsuit Politics.

The two co-authors both identify as people of faith but are on opposite sides of the political spectrum. However, they do not let that stop them from fruitfully discussing a variety of issues. Throughout their book, Holland and Silvers emphasize researching and discussing actual issues and to engage in nuanced conversation. They encourage individuals to focus on what we can agree on and to look at the larger picture instead of just taking sides. Readers will enjoy the introduction to civil discourse but also the civics refresher.

I particularly enjoyed how Holland and Silvers remind readers that you can't make knee-jerk assumptions about anyone's beliefs or viewpoints simply because of their political persuasion or their view on one issue. We have bought into a strict two-party political system where individuals are strait-jacketed into one slate of opinions and not allowed to express opinions that may fall "in-between." While reading I Think You're Wrong, I found myself cheering and agreeing with the authors frequently and yearning for the opportunity to engage in civil discourse with others. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is civic-minded and cares about our country no matter your political persuasion. Book clubs would enjoy reading and discussing this book and then engaging in practical application of the content.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received I Think You're Wrong (But I'm Listening) via NetGalley from Thomas Nelson Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Conversations within the Church

Too often in our churches, we come to service, maybe attend a class or Bible study or small group, but never actually stop to have real heart-felt, honest to goodness conversations about topics that are impacting our church, our community, and our nation. Or maybe if you do have the rare opportunity to engage in conversation, you worry about saying something that others may disagree with even when it is a topic that there may be multiple Christian viewpoints. In his most recent book How the Body of Christ Talks: Recovering the Practice of Conversation in the Church, C. Christopher Smith has written a resource which blends theology, spiritual disciplines, and communication theory into a must-purchase book.

Smith roots his book in a marvelous discussion of the Trinity. He emphasizes that the Trinity is a model for Christian community and that community doesn't happen without conversation. Smith provides numerous examples of churches that engage in conversation most specifically the congregation in which he is a member. He is able to speak from experience regarding concerns that individuals may have regarding "what abouts" and "what ifs" for beginning this practice and provides three specific models for conversation. The discussion on the three conversational models is useful not only for churches but for any organization. Moving on from "how-to," Smith focuses on why churches should have conversations and emphasizes this practices is a spiritual discipline. The final section provides information on positive outcomes that may emerge from this practice as well as how to work through potential conflicts.

This book is highly recommended as a resource for ministers and church leaders to read and implement. Beyond churches, anyone who is interested in communication or spiritual disciplines or works with groups in any way will find this an interesting and useful book to read as well. Many may feel intimidated by the idea of having a church conversation that doesn't have a specific agenda or outcome in mind but How the Body of Christ Talks provides a a roadmap for implementing this important discipline.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received the book How the Body of Christ Talks via NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.