A Tale of Two Perspectives: Dynamics of Interpersonal Conflict from a Christian Point of View

Siblings will rival. Relatives will drop in and stay too long. Children will demand to know "Why?" Interpersonal conflict is seldom as intense as two gunslingers glaring at each other from ten paces at High Noon. It is seldom as colorful as a red-faced husband and wife, standing in their kitchen, shouting insults. It is more often a tale of two perspectives demanding to be heard. Conflict is one of those peculiar concepts few people can define without a dictionary, but most people know it when they see it! We also want it resolved promptly and to our personal satisfaction. How should Christians resolve interpersonal conflict? Should we simply give in to someone with whom we disagree just to avoid conflict? What are the rules when Christians become petty, insensitive or argumentative? If we love our neighbor as we love ourselves, how do we confront conflict without compromising our values? The solution is to understand and learn to confront the behavior, not the people we love. "A Tale of Two Perspectives" explores the dynamics of interpersonal conflict from a Christian point of view. It blends business conflict resolution strategies with biblical narratives to demonstrate a compelling and innovative point of view. Dr. Norris uses his background as a pastor, chaplain, business executive, husband and father to embroider his work with contemporary examples that may sound uncomfortably familiar. He examines how our communication style, personality, attitudes, emotions, frame of reference and spiritual values influence our capacity to resolve conflict effectively.

Dr. Kenneth R. Norris is no stranger to the dynamics of interpersonal conflict. As a pastor, hospital chaplain, conflict mediator and business executive, he has engaged conflict at many levels of intensity. He has developed workshops on interpersonal conflict, transitioning from peer to supervisor and Christians in crisis. He received the Doctor of Ministry from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and received clinical training at the University Hospital in Augusta, GA. He is also certified in personality assessment.