In this polarized time, we lack basic understanding of why people on the other political side hold their beliefs. We don’t see them as they see themselves–their core values and central concerns. We instead view them through the lens of our political judgments. We are tempted to regard our own side as principled and the other side as self-interested.
When we try to communicate across this gap, we often lack the skills for listening carefully, looking for common ground, and sharing our perspectives in ways that connect rather than create more misunderstanding.
Christ calls us to be peacemakers, so we must learn to disagree better in these polarized times, which means, among other things, accurately seeing where we differ and where we share common ground.
Goals:
- Better understand values and concerns of people who differ from you politically
- Improve skills for listening in a way so that the other person feels heard
- More effectively share viewpoints in a way the other person might hear — even if they disagree
Wednesday, August 28 from 6:30-8:00pm
