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Communication FUNdamentals
Nov. 9, 2008
Defending the Faith SONday: A New Era
They say you should never talk about religion and politics in polite company. They are controversial topics causing great divide among Americans. With the appointment of liberal judges who legislate from the bench we now have laws that sound reasonable but erode the freedom of speech of conservatives.
We are ushering in a new era of liberalism in the United States. If you think it was difficult to talk to people about politics and religion before, you ain't seen nothin' yet! Barack Obama is the most liberal president we have had yet. He will be largely unimpeded by the congress and even the majority of the American people. Conservatism could be on the way out and with it could go our faith.
The Bible tells us to stand up and speak out in grace, but the majority of Christians have remained largely silent. Why? Some are not aware of the struggles of Christians and conservatives these last many years.
"So it doesn't matter if Christians are exposed to hate - they're not vulnerable....By definition, she writes, a Christian cannot be the victim of hate speech," Levant wrote. Read More
Some are not sure what to say or how to respond. Some are part of the problem! They speak out of anger and don't back up their side of the issue with facts and eloquence. What new era of social issues will be ushered in with our new president?
"Obama Expected to Join Forces with UN in Global Pro-Abortion Agenda: While the majority of Americans are happily greeting Sen. Obama's promised change, many others, particularly pro-life Americans, fear that the gospel of change offered by the most pro-abortion president-elect in history heralds an era of new struggles and challenges for the pro-life movement." Read More
If Christians and conservatives ever hope to sway the country to their way of thinking, it HAS to be done by effectively communicating in grace. One of the large holes in the McCain campaign (and in the Bush administration) is that both Bush and McCain are not very good communicators. They were unable or unwilling to convey their visions clearly to the American people.
"Obama is an eloquent speaker who was able to motivate millions to eagerly support his candidacy. In contrast, the McCain campaign was incompetent from start to finish." Read More
No matter how right you are on an issue, you are ineffective if you cannot clearly convey your point of view.
"You can have brilliant ideas, but if you can't get them across, your ideas won't get you anywhere." -Lee Iacocca
This new era is going to require something the average Christian conservative has, as yet, been unwilling to do: Stand up and speak out in grace to our neighbors, our friends, our congressmen, our leaders and our communities. It will take a grassroots effort speaking one on one in grace and respect. Are we prepared for that? Most people tell me that they afraid to stand up for what they believe in. Why? Here's what they say:
1. They don't know the issues well enough.
2. They don't know how to discuss the issues without getting into an argument.
3. They are afraid of repercussions.
Art of Eloquence has a plan to help! We pledge to bring you the issues each and every week, not only here on Communication FUNdamentals, but on our new WEEKLY Defending the Faith Review newsletter! There had been so much news that it has been difficult for me to compile it all each month and it became a HUGE newsletter to read each month. We think our new weekly format will keep you more informed and make it easier for you to read. If you are not already a subscriber to our Defending the Faith Review, you can subscribe here.
Next Art of Eloquence is planning the release of a brand new communication study called Say What You Mean: Debating the Issues! It will detail the most important Christian conservative political issues and how best to communicate them to others. We hope to have it out in time for the Say What You Mean Convention in February so keep watch. You can be the first to know about our new releases along with any other events and freebies we have by subscribing to What's New at Art of Eloquence here.
On the last point, though it might be uncomfortable at times, we are told to share the Gospel and many of the political issues relate directly to scripture and Biblical values. The Lord never told us everything would be easy...He just promised us He would be with us when we went through it.
"And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it." -Mark 8:34-35
"Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ." - 2 Timothy 2:3
Even in a socialist country, it is possible to share our Christian conservative values. We just have to communicate them well. Not only is it possible, but it is our responsibility. It isn't as difficult as it sounds if we will help each other. First we need to make a decision to stay informed and learn how we can share these issues effectively with others.
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JoJo Tabares holds a degree in Speech Communication, but it is her humorous approach to communication skills which has made her a highly sought-after Christian speaker and writer. Her articles appear in homeschool publications, such as Homeschool Enrichment Magazine and The Old Schoolhouse Magazine, which also endorses her Say What You Mean curricula. You can also find JoJo on web sites such as Crosswalk.com and Dr.Laura.com. For more information on communication FUNdamentals and Christian-based communication studies for the whole family, please visit http://www.ArtofEloquence.com
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Nov. 9, 2008 - Untitled Comment
and I'm excited to hear about your new product:)