Tim Muehlhoff – författare

Christianity Today Book of the Year award of MeritWe generally assume that those sitting around us in church share our beliefs. But when our personal convictions are contested by fellow Christians, everything changes. We feel attacked from behind. When other Christians doubt or deny our convictions, we don''t experience it as a mere difference of opinion, but as a violation of an unspoken agreement.Tim Muehlhoff and Rick Langer offer a guide to help Christians navigate disagreements with one another. In today''s polarized context, Christians often have committed, biblical rationales for very different positions. How do we discern between core biblical convictions and secondary issues? How do we cultivate better understanding and compassion for those we disagree with? Muehlhoff and Langer provide lessons from conflict theory and church history on how to avoid the dangers of groupthink and how to negotiate differing biblical convictions to avoid church splits and repair interpersonal ruptures.Christian unity is possible. Discover how we can navigate differences by speaking in both truth and love.

When was the last time you had a real & meaningful conversation? What has happened to our society?Differences of opinion have always been part of life. For decades, spouses, family members, co-workers, and neighbors have had spirited conversations about politics, social issues, religion, current events, and even sports. But what was different in the past is that these disagreements wouldn't sever ties between family and friends.Today, we live in an argument culture that has let to nearly a third of people reporting they have stopped talking to a friend or family member due to a disagreement and nearly two-thirds of people saying they stay quiet about their beliefs due to the fear of offending others. From cyberbullying to hate speech, workplace harassment, demonizing political language, verbal abuse, and intolerance, the vast majority of us-eighty-seven percent-no longer feel safe in public places to share our opinions.Sean McDowell and Tim Muehlhoff seek to end this stalemate. They believe Christians are called to be God's ambassadors, which necessarily entails the need to listen to those around us-especially people with diverse and different perspectives. In End the Stalemate, you will be able to revive the art of meaningful conversations by walking through:How to create connection and emotional awareness that opens the door for a fair exchange of ideas and effective communication;How to engage in perspective-taking, as illustrated in Scripture in a number of stories;How to speak the truth in love, from a biblical understanding;How to structure a conversation with those who hold diverse, and/or seemingly threatening, views; andHow to honor the words and perspective of those with whom we disagree.Yes, we live in cancel culture. But that doesn't mean that we as Christians need to conform to our world. Instead, we can be a beacon of sanity that promotes meaningful conversations around what matters most in this life-and the next.