Soul Stirrings Paul Patton, Ph.D. & Christianity & Communication Studies Network (CCSN)

In this fourth installment focused on God Talk: The Manipulative Use of Spiritual Language, Paul and Brandon begin to discuss some possible remedies. Specifically, they note the importance of confronting with questions. By doing so, a means of accountability is engaged that will challenge individuals to be more self reflexive about the experience of “hearing the Lord."

In this third session focused on God Talk:The Manipulative Use of Spiritual Language, Brandon and Paul share about another price tag, or negative effects. Specifically, they discuss the abuse of power that often results from God Talk and wisdom and patience are needed to discern such scenarios.

In this podcast, the second of a new series discussing God Talk and the manipulative uses of spiritual language, Paul and Brandon discuss some of the effects, or “price tags," of this discourse. For example, how does God Talk affect critical analysis and discussion within personal relationships and Christian communities? They suggest that, whether intentional or unintentional, God Talk short circuits critical thinking and, by doing so, can harm relationships and communities.

In this new series of Soul Stirrings, Paul is joined by a co-host, Brandon Knight of William Carey University, to discuss God Talk and the manipulative uses of spiritual language. Many Americans can easily recount some of the historic atrocities committed by Christians in the “name of God." But God Talk is also used in less atrocious, yet still manipulative, ways in everyday communication with family and friends, clients and co-workers. After some basic definitions are offered, several examples of God Talk will be analyzed in hopes of discovering solutions that seek to honor the name of God as well as the agency of our neighbors.

In this final podcast on the “Fruit of the Spirit,” Paul contends that self-control, the ninth “fruit of the Spirit,” is a primary instrument of hope. He offers that hope is the purpose behind persistence toward a “promised land.” Self-control helps to keep us on track in our journey, despite the distractions, discouragement and dismissals that inevitably cross our path.

In this 5-minute podcast, Paul takes a second look at the ninth and final “Fruit of the Spirit,” self-control, suggesting the biblical emphasis is on controlling the narcissistic impulses toward selfish ambition. He also takes a peek at Saint James’ emphasis that self-control is predominantly about controlling the words that come out of our mouths when angry or frustrated.