At a time when it seems we can’t agree on anything 98% of Americans state that incivility is a serious problem; while 68% agree it’s reached crisis levels. From cyberbullying, to hate speech, to workplace harassment, to nasty Twitter exchanges, and intolerance the vast majority of us (87%) no longer feel safe sharing our perspective. While there are many factors that fuel our propensity toward incivility, communication experts point to one primary culprit—online communication. According to a national survey 63% of respondents said online interactions have been mostly negative and have put a strain on relationships. In the course of a normal week you can expect 5.5 negative online interactions. Is it possible to transform our online communication to one that imparts civility and empathy to our relationships rather than division? Join Biola’s Department of Communication and the Winsome Conviction Project as we address online incivility from diverse specialties such as organizational communication, rhetoric, gender, and diversity.

Our nation, our communities and even our relationships are becoming defined more by the issues that divide us rather than the values that unite us. The coming election, in particular, seems to be a minefield of mutual incomprehension, antipathy, and fear. Join noted commentator and author David French and a panel of Biola thought leaders for an earnest and timely discussion of the challenges we face and potential solutions for this contemporary crisis.

In today's confusing and polarized political culture, Christians seek biblical guidance for voting in this upcoming election. Yet, what happens when scriptural support is used to vote for either candidate? How can Christians navigate their disagreements with both truth and love? If you want to have these types of conversations with friends, adult children, or others join us for practical tools. Tim Muehlhoff and Rick Langer provide lessons from Scripture, conflict theory, and church history to help us negotiate differing biblical convictions while preserving unity. This seminar will be held on zoom, and will feature both large group teaching and practice discussing the upcoming election in moderated breakout groups.

Sponsored by: Fullerton Free Church

How might the Book of Proverbs offer us advice on how to foster civility and compassion? I explore a four-step model—rooted in biblical proverbs—that help move us from uncivil debate to dialogue.

Sponsored by: Faith Beyond Belief