Winsome Conviction

Mike Ahn (Ph.D.), Dean of Spiritual Development at Biola University, is also a new co-director with the Winsome Conviction Project, and we wanted to give you a chance you learn a bit about Mike on this episode. Tim and Mike play two truths and a lie; Mike talks about the role of spiritual formation for helping to foster civility; and they dig into some of the projects on campus Mike is leading that aim to promote faithfulness among undergraduate students, including a training on civility with Pomona College and Biola University.Show notes and a full transcript are available.

Why are we experiencing so much polarization in culture? A common answer is social media. But what is some of the reasoning on how social media contributes to polarization? Today on the episode, Tim and Rick speak with Michael Whitenton (Ph.D.) about three types of polarization that social media incites - ideological, perceived, and affective. Michael also talks about the books and resources he uses for a course he teaches to undergraduate students on how to have courageous conversations in divided times, and they get into some of the hard realities of fostering bridge building conversations in public spaces.Show notes and a full transcript are available.

Bob Lepine, a radio host and pastor, dives deep into the evolution of cultural communication since the late ‘70s. He discusses the alarming loss of common ground and highlights the dangers of one-sided winsomeness in today’s media landscape. The conversation shifts to engaging with differing Christian viewpoints rooted in empathy and compassion. Lepine also emphasizes the importance of love and sacrifice in ministry, urging listeners to prioritize genuine dialogue over sensationalism while navigating complex discussions.

What are our expectations for rules of engagement in building a healthy democracy? What shared commitments can we make in our civic aspirations? At the heart of answers to these questions is the issue of pluralism, which was one of the founding creeds of the United States for helping to live peaceably and with civility despite deeply engrained differences. John Inazu, professor of law and religion at Washington University, and author of the book, Confident Pluralism: Surviving and Thriving through Deep Difference, is back on the podcast to discuss pluralism and ways to foster persuasion rather than coercion for a pluralistic society.Show notes and a full transcript are available.

Michael Whitenton (Ph.D.) directs the Bridgebuilding Fellows program at Baylor University, a program that seeks to help students to engage in healthy and virtuous civil discourse. Michael joins today’s episode to speak with Tim and Rick about the origins and aims of the program. Today’s episode helps listeners become aware of other groups and organizations who are responding to issues of polarization by championing the work of bridge building in civil discourse. Michael also gives examples on the art and value of constructive dialogue, and they discuss the importance and difficulty of achieving genuine disagreement. Show notes and a full transcript are available.

When we move from influencing an individual to influencing a community or a body of people, the field of communication studies would say we transition from persuasion to rhetoric. In this transition, we often find ourselves in “rhetorical situations.” Tim and Rick unpack the rhetorical situation, including elements and affects of this communication event. They also discuss how skills in rhetoric can help you make the most of those moments when you have an opportunity to speak to an audience.Show notes and a full transcript are available.

Sean McDowell, co-author of 'End the Stalemate: Move Past Cancel Culture To Meaningful Conversations,' discusses with Tim the need for productive conversations over winning arguments. They cover emotional beliefs, dangers of straw man arguments, and ways to remain hopeful amidst current challenges.

Some stories in the Bible are hard to understand, let alone approve. For those who are questioning and finding it difficult to trust the God of the Bible and certain historical events as recorded in the Scriptures, it helps to hear stories from people who have worked through their own questions and doubts to arrive at healthy, more firmly held beliefs and convictions. On today’s episode, History scholar Susan Lim (Ph.D.) speaks with Tim and Rick about her own journey of coming to love the Bible, and they speak about her book, Light of the World: How Knowing the History of the Bible Illuminates Our Faith.  Show notes and a full transcript are available.

Susan Lim (Ph.D.) is a history scholar and writer who decided to follow Jesus in her teenage years after having grown up in a Buddhist family. Susan joins today’s episode to share her story from Buddha to Jesus, and it’s a powerful story that has reverberated through her family. She also speaks with Tim and Rick on the similarities and differences between Buddhism and Christianity. They discuss what Buddhists get right that Christians can learn from, differing views on suffering, and what happened when Susan told her mom she had become a Christian. If you’re interested in learning how to communicate with your Buddhist family and friends, you're sure to gain insight by listening to today's episode.Show notes and a full transcript are available.

Exploring communication spirals and de-escalation skills in conflict resolution. Understanding triggers for negative communication and techniques to prevent escalation. Impact of mindset on communication dynamics and strategies for maintaining composure. Using breathing techniques and empathy in tense situations. Importance of equitable communication in resolving conflicts and preventing escalation.