Civil Discourse in a Polarized Society
Channel: Douglas Olena
Date: 2020-04-25

It’s rare these days to swipe through social media or listen to the news and not be aggravated in some way. The issues are myriad, and the “sides" are entrenched. Justifications abound, and so much is at stake. What is a Christ follower to do? This presentation will discuss keys to civil discourse based on biblical principles that can help us as brothers and sisters to cultivate godly communication with one another—as the world looks on.


(This video was originally prepared for the Louisiana Network of the Assemblies of God, presented on April 27, 2020.)



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Resources
Conroy, Patrick. Let’s Get Civil: Healing Our Fractured Body Politic. Montgomery, AL: E-BookTime, LLC, 2019.

Crowley, Sharon. Toward a Civil Discourse: Rhetoric and Fundamentalism. Pittsburgh, PA: University of Pittsburgh Press, 2006.

Elshof, Gregg Ten, and Evan Rosa, eds. Virtue and Voice: Habits of Mind for a Return to Civil Discourse. Abilene, TX: Abilene Christian University Press, 2019.

Givens, Janet. LEAPFROG: How to Hold a Civil Conversation in an Uncivil Era. Danville, VT: Birchtree Books, 2019.

Gunn, Dennis. Educating for Civic Dialogue in an Age of Uncivil Discourse. New York: Routledge, 2020.

Herzfeld, Thomas. How to Have a Civil Conversation in an Increasingly Uncivil and Hostile Environment. Amazon.com Services LLC, 2018.

Hicks, Donna. Dignity: Its Essential Role in Resolving Conflict. Repr. Yale University Press, 2013.

Jacobsen, Douglas, and Rodney J. Swatsky. Gracious Christianity: Living the Love We Profess. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2006.

Stanley, Andy (North Point Community Church). “Talking Points: The Perfect Blend of Politics & Religion.” January 7, 2020. Youtube.com. Accessed April 15, 2020. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4PI-Dfs_lvU&feature=youtu.be.
 
Part 1: What is Jesus’ Take on Politics? 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGG4emresp4
 “Your favorite candidate will win or lose based on how our country votes this November. However, the church will win or lose based on our behavior between now and then.”

Part 2: How Christians Should Approach Politics
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yk2zoWVzFlo
“Our political views are shaped by a number of variables: our backgrounds, education, and personal experiences to name a few. It’s easy to feel like our view is the right one, but the person beside you is more precious to God than your political view.”

Part 3: What is the Role of the Church in Politics?
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZND4eXJeho
 “The unity and diversity of the early church shocked and intrigued the ancient world. Ours should as well.”