Redeeming How We Talk: Discover How Communication Fuels Our Growth, Shapes Our Relationships, and Changes Our Lives

Discover why words matter in a noisy world. Technology has made it easier than ever before to share just about everything: pictures, ideas, even the ups and downs of your morning errand run. Yet all our talking doesn't seem to be connecting us the way it promised to. That's because we don't need to talk more, we need to talk better.  Redeeming How We Talk explores what the Bible has to say about that central aspect of life and relationships--conversation. The Scriptures show us that words have remarkable power--to create, to bless, to encourage, to forgive. Imagine how we could spark change in our families, churches, and communities if we learned to use words like Jesus did. By weaving together theology, history, and philosophy, Ken Wytsma and A. J. Swoboda help us reclaim the holiness of human speech and the relevance of meaningful conversation in our culture today. Review Praise for Redeeming How We TalkWe all crave connection. But ironically, we don?t spend a lot of time thinking about, or praying about, how our words and our other conversational tools work to draw us close to one another or to God. We are all familiar with the psalm that pleads, ?May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.? Redeeming How We Talk breaks down how to do just that.Lindsey NoblesFormer Strategist and Chief Operating Officer at IF:GatheringIn a world where we have tribalized ourselves into identity groups of disagreement, true conversation and dialogue are becoming obsolete. We don?t have conversations anymore; the dialogue is predetermined and reinforced in the echo chambers of media. A. J. and Ken have given us not only a history of how we got here and a theology of communication, but wisdom and practical guidance in how we talk to one another. It is time for us to leave our polarized islands of finger pointing and truly learn to ask the deeper questions, gain understanding, and yes, speak to one another in a way that reveals the love and wisdom of God. This book will give you the tools to heal our fractured world one conversation at a time. Rick McKinleyLead Pastor of Imago Dei Community in Portland, ORAuthor of Faith for This Moment (forthcoming) and The Answer to Our CryWhat comes out of our mouths is a reflection of what?s on our hearts. At a time when our discourse has become more coarse and when it?s easier to back into corners with our opinions, rather than engaging with those with whom we may disagree, this book offers a way for us to rethink the importance of civil discourse, and humility and openness in communication. This book comes at a right time when perhaps all of us need a fresh reminder to guard our tongues and our hearts in a way that would honor Christ.Jenny YangVice President of Advocacy and Policy for World Relief?We have become a people all alone, together,? assert Ken Wytsma and A. J. Swoboda in Redeeming How We Talk. Mass communication is more like a corporate cacophony. Few are listening, few speak what?s worth hearing. We just keep missing each other. Is there hope of recovery from the current crisis? Is there hope for the kind of communication that recovers the lost art of community? Wytsma and Swoboda blaze a path out of all the noise that moves toward honest, thoughtful communication where we can listen, hear, and thoughtfully respond. Jerry RootProfessor, Wheaton CollegeWords have power. This one simple phrase has shaped my adult life in a profound way. There has never been a more important time for a generation to rediscover the power of words than in our current culture. I believe this book invokes a holy understanding of our unique calling as agents of grace, truth, and life in a decaying world. Danielle StricklandSpeaker, author, social justice advocateIt is not just the clarity of their speech that sets Ken and A. J.?s message apart, it is the depth of their listening. This is so much more than a book