Authentic Communication

A Christian Approach for Communicating with Your Neighbor

Every day we give and receive communication. But good communication doesn't always come naturally. Strengthening our skills is vital not only for those who specialize in communication but for everyone who wants to have healthy relationships, love our neighbors, and shape the world around us for good.

In Authentic Communication, educators Tim Muehlhoff and Todd Lewis offer a wealth of resources from both communication studies and the Bible. This textbook unpacks the essential elements of communication and applies them to common challenges, offering a unique look at biblical principles of communication such as loving our enemies and blessing those who insult us.

You'll find wisdom to address questions like:



- How can we overcome our natural biases and take someone else's perspective?

- When are persuasion tactics ethical—and when aren't they?

- What does healthy forgiveness look like?

- How should Christians offer alternative views to the dominant voices in society?

- Is constructive dialogue practical in a culture of argument?



What's new in the second edition:



- a new chapter on perspective taking in light of disagreement,

- a new chapter on communication in estranged relationships,

- an updated recommended resources section, and

- updated research and sources based on the past fifteen years of fresh scholarship in communication studies.



This book lays a foundation for engaging people who hold different views, seeking to open pathways for communication. Embrace the invitation to communicate well as a Christian with Authentic Communication.



Todd V. Lewis (PhD, Louisiana State University) is professor emeritus in the Department of Communication Studies at Biola University. During his forty-one years of teaching he specialized in persuasive communication, coaching intercollegiate speech and debate, and the application of rhetorical theories to popular culture events.



Tim Muehlhoff (PhD, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill) is professor of communication at Biola University in La Mirada, California, where he teaches classes in family communication, interpersonal communication, persuasion, and gender. Tim is senior director of the Winsome Conviction Project. His books include I Beg to Differ, Eyes to See, and Winsome Persuasion.

Series Preface


Acknowledgments


Introduction
Part 1: Understanding the Components of Communication


1. The Power of Human Communication


2. Perspective Taking: Engaging the Views of Others


3. What Good Is Perspective Taking if No One Changes Their Perspective?


4. Words! Words! Words! We Can Only Imagine


5. Persuasion: Spiritual Power or Manipulation and Rhetorical Tricks?
Part 2: Applying Communication


6. Before the Sun Sets: Conflict and Christian Unity


7. Communicating Forgiveness


8. Communicating about and Evaluating the Messages of Popular Culture


9. Resident Aliens: Christians as Counterpublics


10. Postmodern Times and Christian Counterpublics (Part 1)


11. Postmodern Times and Christian Counterpublics (Part 2)


12. Abnormal Communication: A Christian Response to the Argument Culture


13. Estrangement: Communicating Across the Chasms


14. Social Justice: Speaking for the Marginalized


Recommended Reading: Annotated Bibliography


Final Thoughts


Index