End the Stalemate: Move Past Cancel Culture to Meaningful Conversations
Ebook
When was the last time you had a real & meaningful conversation? What has happened to our society?
Differences of opinion have always been part of life. For decades, spouses, family members, co-workers, and neighbors have had spirited conversations about politics, social issues, religion, current events, and even sports. But what was different in the past is that these disagreements wouldn’t sever ties between family and friends.
Today, we live in an argument culture that has let to nearly a third of people reporting they have stopped talking to a friend or family member due to a disagreement and nearly two-thirds of people saying they stay quiet about their beliefs due to the fear of offending others. From cyberbullying to hate speech, workplace harassment, demonizing political language, verbal abuse, and intolerance, the vast majority of us—eighty-seven percent—no longer feel safe in public places to share our opinions.
Sean McDowell and Tim Muehlhoff seek to end this stalemate. They believe Christians are called to be God’s ambassadors, which necessarily entails the need to listen to those around us—especially people with diverse and different perspectives. In End the Stalemate, you will be able to revive the art of meaningful conversations by walking through:
- How to create connection and emotional awareness that opens the door for a fair exchange of ideas and effective communication;
- How to engage in perspective-taking, as illustrated in Scripture in a number of stories;
- How to speak the truth in love, from a biblical understanding;
- How to structure a conversation with those who hold diverse, and/or seemingly threatening, views; and
- How to honor the words and perspective of those with whom we disagree.
Yes, we live in cancel culture. But that doesn’t mean that we as Christians need to conform to our world. Instead, we can be a beacon of sanity that promotes meaningful conversations around what matters most in this life—and the next.
- Title: End the Stalemate: Move Past Cancel Culture to Meaningful Conversations
- Authors: Sean McDowell, Timothy Muehlhoff, Justin Brierley
- Publisher: Tyndale Elevate
- Print Publication Date: 2024
- Logos Release Date: 2023
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Ebook
- ISBNs: 9781496481177, 9781496481153, 1496481151, 1496481178
- Resource ID: LLS:9781496481177
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2024-05-08T13:20:05Z
Reviews
1 rating
Danilo Chris Sioco
9/28/2024
“Empathetic listening does not equal agreement.” I believe this quote has been a refrain throughout the whole book and was quoted by the authors for reasons I can relate to. In this age of cancel culture, I feel that there is a fear of judgment within our Christian circles, of being accused of platforming beliefs contrary and even detrimental to our faith when we seek to converse with people of varying worldviews. I totally get where they are coming from. But we should not let that fear paralyze us and prevent us from reaching out to others. To be heard and understood is a desire of every person made in God’s image. We should not withhold these to those in need just because we fear being criticized by others. As Tim shared in the book, he used the example of Jesus spending time with sinners, not even bothered by what the other people were saying about Him. He knows His purpose, was faithful to bring it into completion. God has given each of us a unique purpose as well. That is why a strong Christian foundation and a staunch defence of our faith through Apologetics is of vital importance to build that confidence to resist that fear. And most of all, as sinners forgiven by God, we understand the great love and mercy that God has bestowed upon us. As quoted previously, His “Perfect love casts out fear (1 Jo 4:18).” May we be motivated by love, armed with the Truth and confidence in His Word, as we go and reach out to others for God’s greater glory.