In today's polarized context, Christians often have committed, biblical rationales for very different positions. How can Christians navigate disagreements with both truth and love? Tim Muehlhoff and Rick Langer provide lessons from conflict theory and church history on how to negotiate differing biblical convictions in order to move toward Christian unity.
What could be more natural, more human, than communication? But we all learn quickly enough that good communication is not always natural. There is much to learn from Scripture and from the academic study of human communication. In this book Tim Muehlhoff and Todd Lewis are able guides, aiding us in understanding the broad field of human communication in Christian perspective.
We live in a wired world where 24/7 digital connectivity is increasingly the norm. Christian megachurch communities often embrace this reality wholeheartedly while more traditional churches often seem hesitant and overwhelmed by the need for an interactive website, a Facebook page and a twitter feed. This book accepts digital connectivity as our reality, but presents a vision of how faith communities can utilize technology to better be the body of Christ to those who are hurting while also helping followers of Christ think critically about the limits of our digital attachments. This book begins with a conversion story of a non-cell phone owning, non-Facebook using religion professor judgmental of the ability of digital tools to enhance relationships. A stage IV cancer diagnosis later, in the midst of being held up by virtual communities of support, a conversion occurs: this religion professor benefits in embodied ways from virtual sources and wants to convert others to the reality that the body of Christ can and does exist virtually and makes embodied difference in the lives of those who are hurting. The book neither uncritically embraces nor rejects the constant digital connectivity present in our lives. Rather it calls on the church to a) recognize ways in which digital social networks already enact the virtual body of Christ; b) tap into and expand how Christ is being experienced virtually; c) embrace thoughtfully the material effects of our new augmented reality, and c) influence utilization of technology that minimizes distraction and maximizes attentiveness toward God and the world God loves.
Our world is changing dramatically, yet many Christians still rely on cookie-cutter approaches to evangelism and apologetics. In his magnum opus, Os Guinness presents the art and power of creative persuasion—the ability to talk to people who are closed to what we are saying. Discover afresh the persuasive power of Christian witness.
Every day it seems more difficult to explain to others what we believe and why. When our arguments fail to persuade them, what then? J. P. Moreland and Tim Muehlhoff say that the best way to win over others is with a good story. In this expanded edition of their classic book, the authors give practical coaching and illustrations to help us communicate our faith more effectively.
If Jane Austen was twenty-five today would she be a greenie or a member of the Young Liberals? Probably neither. But for 25-year-old Hazel, reading the classics starting with A is a way to pass the time while jobless and plotless. A chance encounter with an irresistible older man provides a much-needed distraction. When Hazel is partnered with him on a political campaign, her attraction is deepened by the strength of his convictions. Adam seems to be attracted to her too – but why can't she persuade him to embark upon romance? And what does Jane Austen have to teach a young woman about life, love, and literature in the 21st century anyway?
Communication specialist Tim Muehlhoff shows how to take an accurate climate reading of your marriage relationship and explains what causes climates of poor communication. With current research on marital communication, listening, empathy and conflict, Marriage Forecasting provides practical ways to rebuild a warm relational climate.
When we encounter suffering or tragedy, we wonder: Where is God? If God exists, then why doesn't he show himself? Tim Muehlhoff unpacks the doctrine of common grace and offers examples from contemporary culture to uncover how God is present and working in ordinary, everyday places. Discover how God cares for our troubled world as he gives you eyes to see.
Being a faithful disciple of Christ means having seasoned speech: practicing a rhetoric that beneficially and persuasively imparts the surprising truth of the gospel. James Beitler seeks to renew interest in and hunger for an effective Christian rhetoric by closely considering the work of five beloved Christian communicators: C. S. Lewis, Dorothy L. Sayers, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Desmond Tutu, and Marilynne Robinson.
As human beings, we are created with universal longings. Where can our restless hearts find fulfillment? Philosopher and apologist Greg Ganssle argues that our widely shared human aspirations are best understood in the light of the Christian story, and that the good news of Jesus Christ makes sense of—and fulfills—our deepest desires.