Winsome Conversations

Crossing the aisle has never been easy in politics, but in recent years it has been increasingly seen as an act of betrayal rather than an act of bridge-building. Unfortunately, the same is true of disagreements in many non-political realms. Polarization has found its way into our churches, communities, and even our families. In today’s argument culture, is there any hope for restoring civil discourse? Dr. Tim Muehlhoff and Dr. Rick Langer, co-directors of the the Winsome Conviction Project, offer practical steps—rooted in communication theory, ancient wisdom literature, and philosophy—to help move away from destructive polarization to constructive dialogue.

Dr. Tim Muehlhoff (Ph.D. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill) is a professor of communication at Biola University in La Mirada, CA where he teaches classes on conflict resolution, persuasion, and rhetoric. He is the co-director of the Winsome Conviction Project and has written extensively in the area of cultural engagement and conflict resolution including Winsome Conviction, I Beg to Differ, Authentic Communication and Winsome Persuasion.

Dr. Rick Langer is the Director of the Office of Faith and Learning at Biola University. He is the co-author of Winsome Persuasion and Winsome Conviction, and his academic writing applies theology to a variety of disciplines including business leadership, disability, suffering, bioethics, and vocation. He has served as a pastor and on the boards of various Christian and community organizations. He has also worked with the national organization Braver Angels, moderating workshops that bring together right and left-leaning citizens to discuss their conflicting political convictions.