Dr. Joy Qualls, an expert in political and religious rhetoric, joins Tim and Rick to discuss how polarized news sources contribute to making us polarized people.
C. Christopher Smith, senior pastor of Englewood Christian Church (Indianapolis, IN), describes early attempts to bring diverse people in his church together to talk as a “hot mess.” Yelling and sarcasm were default modes as members gathered Sunday nights to discuss potentially volatile issues. Out of sheer stubbornness, Smith and church leadership stayed with it as trust among conversationalists slowly developed. Out of that determination and years of experimentation comes a book that serves as a reliable guide to those wanting to follow their example.
“Where do I fit politically?” That’s a question more Christians are asking as faith convictions feel at odds with party affiliations and partisan mindsets. Feeling at home with one particular political party is met with increasing discontent.
The 2020 election cycle has been one of the most contentious and divisive elections in living memory. Animosity and disdain for those whose views differ from our own have tarnished not only our public square but also our churches and families. But when the election is over, we are still members of the same nation, living shoulder to shoulder in the same communities, and worshiping in the same churches. We need to find ways to move forward together.
Votes for the next president have been cast and one thing is certain—somebody will be happy, and others disheartened. Can a friendship or workplace relationship be preserved with someone who voted differently and holds vastly different beliefs?
Popular speaker and author, Brene Brown, states: “It’s hard to hate people close up. So, move in.” Communication theorists note that what helps break negative stereotypes the most is, information. How much do we know about the two presidential candidates? Learning the stories of Vice-President Joe Biden and President Donald Trump doesn’t condone their positions, but rather, humanizes them.
How can Christians maintain their convictions and yet do so with compassion and empathy in public discourse? Tim Muehlhoff, and two other Biola scholars had the opportunity to discuss this with Richard Mouw, a leading voice for "Christian civility."
About the Podcast
The Winsome Conviction podcast is a biweekly podcast on learning how to deepen convictions without dividing communities. In each episode, hosts Tim Muehlhoff, Rick Langer and Mike Ahn along with frequent guest experts, consider how to cultivate understanding around our most closely held convictions and foster civility and compassion in disagreement.
To submit comments, ask questions, or make suggestions on issues you'd like us to cover or guests you'd like us to have on the podcast, email us at winsomeconviction@biola.edu.
