Rooted | Help for Civil Discussions
Do you find that it’s hard —and getting harder— to discuss anything more than the weather, yesterday’s game, and cute pets with people? You’re not imagining things. It’s becoming increasingly difficult to discuss anything substantive, especially if you hold well-formed perspectives or convictions.
If you WANT to discuss things, if you CARE about what’s happening to people, but conversations keep ending sooner than you want – and the reasons for that can vary – you may find this useful.
Last summer, Vibrance Community members discussed ways to have civil discussions when truth feels optional. I created a “Thought Arouser” video each week and then we met online to consider, discuss, and encourage each other.
Below are the titles for the series. You can click on those you’re interested in to view the video on YouTube. The 3-10 minute videos aren’t conclusive. They’re intended to introduce concepts the group discussed. Still, in light of all that’s going on in our world right now—shootings, murders, the lack of civility, and the dismissal of truth (or making up one’s own truth) —these may help your conversations last a little longer, especially when people disagree with you.
Biblical Models of Civil Discourse
The Power of Questions: Inviting Dialogue, Not Debate
Speaking the Truth in Love: Balancing Conviction & Compassion
Worldview Clashes: Navigating Difficult Conversations
Responding to Relativism: Anchoring Truth in a Shifting Culture
Navigating Doubt and Skepticism: Faithful Answers in a Skeptical Age
Handling Hot Topics: Staying Civil when Stakes are High
These are free to view, and I hope the principles and techniques prove super-useful! And yes, there’s plenty of room at the table if you decide to join the Vibrance Community and participate in our At the Table discussions.
This link will take you to the Vibrance Thought Arouser podcast on YouTube
