Face Work is a social science discipline that studies a person’s need to Save Face, Protect Face, and Restore Face, thus managing threats to their social image, identity, or standing. The ultimate tool for effective Face Work is hinted at in friar Murray Bodo’s phrase “the Face of a Franciscan.”
New Path to Immigration Reform
April 11, 2011 by |
In a new Taming the Wolf White Paper I discuss the use of mediation techniques to foster convening in large-scale conflict that has hit impasse.
Detoxification
March 24, 2011 by |
In the latest edition of St. Anthony Messenger, the magazine’s editor, Pat McCloskey OFM, calls for “Detoxifying our Political Disagreements.” This is a worthy sentiment.
Rules for Civility
February 9, 2011 by |
I fear too many cherished cultural norms have been gutted: honesty, transparency, and integrity have been replaced by coarser values.
Civility and Deception
February 7, 2011 by |
Deception is the most significant barrier to civil discourse.
A Saint’s Advice
February 3, 2011 by |
St. Antony counsels us to meditate continually on the Apostle Paul’s words, “Let not the sun go down upon your wrath” (Eph. 4:26).
Franciscan Disrespects Glenn Beck
December 1, 2010 by |
Prominent Franciscan, Fr. Richard Rohr, recently wrote in his Daily Meditation the following…
Interfaith Dialogue: How’s Your Posture?
November 4, 2010 by |
Last week I happened upon a lively conversation between two fellow Christians in the locker room at the yoga studio I frequent. They were debating whether or not it was un-Christian to practice yoga. Neither accepted the premise advanced by R. Albert Mohler, president of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, who created controversy with an essay in which he argues Christians should not practice yoga.
Light the Fire
October 19, 2010 by |
Conflict resolution is not appeasement. I find myself repeating this phrase frequently, battling the stereotype that portrays mediators and peacemakers as appeasers who demand we capitulate to the whims of more aggressive or deceptive parties.
We Were Deceived
Last week I watched a refreshingly candid interview with Archbishop Dolan conducted by Raymond Arroyo on The World Over (EWTN). Their discussion of the passage of New York’s “same-sex marriage” bill brought to mind my earlier posts.