Authentic Communication

Tim Muehlhoff & Todd V. Lewis, IVP Academic, $23.95

Muehlhoff and Lewis’ book suggests reasons why one branch of social psychology — communication theory and practice — is important for Christian communicators.

As “homo narrans” we actually impose meaning on our lives through narrative.

For example: there’s a distinction between a particular word and the meaning a word has within a particular culture. So when a leader/preacher uses words, sometimes what you say isn’t necessarily what they hear.

Sometimes we communicate best by taking note of St Francis’ dictum: “Preach the gospel, use words if necessary.”

Rowland Croucher