The art of disagreeing in public

Continuing from the previous post, I think we ought to consider how we deal in public with differences in theological viewpoints, biblical text meanings, views on Christianity, etc. Its not hard to listen to another person’s opinions and beliefs. But then what do we say to our friends? What do we say in public when describing this other person’s [...]

The art of Christian dialogue about theology

I’ve been thinking about how we Christians talk to, at, and about each other’s theological positions. There are two poles that we tend to be attracted to. On one side we may lean toward criticalness. The plus of this pole is that details matter. We look at the details in great depth and we run with [...]

Why racial reconciliation?

I’ve posted here a couple of times on the necessity of racial reconciliation. One of the most biblical arguments I’ve heard is by Rev. Brenda Salter McNeil. You can read a summary I made of her John 4 sermon here or go to her website and watch a clip of the DVD. However, Ed Gilbreath has [...]

By what story do you construct your life?

By what story do you construct your life? What story dominates your life?

Science Monday: What you think you say and what is heard are two different things

Been musing on the divide between what we think we communicate and what others actually hear us say. This, of course, is a key issue for counselors. We think we are communicating empathy, but maybe the client hears judgment. We think we are just asking penetrating questions, the client hears we don’t know what we [...]

What’s hot in Christian psychology?

Based on the number of presentations (plenary and breakout), forgiveness (research and practice) is the hot topic. Seems everyon wants to talk about forgiveness. Probably a good idea because so much of counseling has to do with needing to forgive and be forgiven.
Two interesting points from last night’s plenary on couple therapy by Jen Ripley [...]

CAPS conference break the rest of the week

I’m attending the national conference of the Christian Association for Psychological Studies (CAPS) the rest of this week. So, I’ll not be posting much until Monday. However, these kinds of things tend to stimulate my thinking and so one never knows…
I’ll be presenting with a colleague from Eastern Univ. on the fun topic (really, it [...]

Levels of Depravity and the American consciousness of evil

I listened to and interview with NY Times columnist Thomas Friedman (author of best-selling, The World is Flat) on the way to work this morning. He was discussing the dire problems in Iraq. During the interview he was grieving the losses that 9/11 brought to the sense of safety we Americans used to have. He talked [...]

Science Monday: Working with ADHD children

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (commonly known as ADD or ADHD) in children presents many challenges for all involved. Often there are frazzled parents, irritated teachers, dismissing/judgmental friends, impulsive/distracted kids with loads of shame and pressure, and distant medical professionals.

Dealing with disappointment II OR Greenhouse is down…and out

I’m all for snow, even the late snows of the season. I remember shoveling the snow off our Springfield, VT highschool track in April so we could have a meet. But, this snow threatened a planned trip to my son’s state gymnastics meet. We planned ahead and got there mostly before the storm. Only 20 [...]