Everyday Encounters: Humanizing Dialogue in Theory and Practice

by Hans Gustafson

Overview

There is an alarming trend to disassociate from family, friends, and neighbors with differing and diverse worldviews from one's own. In the absence of dialogue, trust weakens, relationships dissolve, everything humans cherish becomes susceptible to collapse, and societies become more likely to resort to destructive tactics. Everyday Encounters introduces the importance of dialogue to humanize others in healthy ways.

Dialogue is a crucial tool in navigating encounters across difference, promoting attentive listening and sensitivity for constructive human engagement in various settings like family, leadership, and the workplace. Hans Gustafson presents dialogue as a versatile and vital tool for communication across diverse contexts, from personal interactions to geopolitical negotiations. The book condenses practical insights about the theory and practice of dialogue and human engagement across difference into five short chapters. Gustafson's language employs jargon-free clarity with a goal of accessibility.

Dialogue is a fundamental means of communication at the core of human interaction, crucial for healthy relationships, effective leadership, and fostering honesty and empathy—two foundational virtues for human flourishing.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9798889832393
Publisher:	Augsburg Fortress, Publishers
Publication date:	01/21/2025
Pages:	189
Product dimensions:	4.25(w) x 7.00(h) x (d)

About the Author

Hans Gustafson is director of the Jay Phillips Center for Interreligious Studies in the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of St. Thomas in Minnesota, where he teaches courses in (inter)religious studies and theology. He is the author of Everyday Wisdom: Interreligious Studies in a Pluralistic World (Fortress, 2023).

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Why: Necessity of Dialogue

Chapter 2: What: Nature of Dialogue

Chapter 3: How: Practical Communication in Relationships

Chapter 4: Proverbial Wisdom for Dialogical Encounter

Chapter 5: So What: Implications of Dialogue

Editorial Reviews

In this book, Hans Gustafson invites the reader to join him on a road trip through the landscapes of dialogue thinkers and philosophers from various contexts. The goal of the trip is to explore how to humanize our communication through dialogue, and how to build practical resilience against polarization and dehumanization. The book is full of insights and comes highly recommended! —Anne Hege Grung, professor of interreligious studies, Faculty of Theology, University of Oslo

Everyday Encounters is a deeply thoughtful but also profoundly practical guide to dialogue. Drawing on the wisdom of dozens of leading thinkers and practitioners, Gustafson outlines a compelling vision for dialogue and its potential for transforming personal and societal relationships. This book is a vital resource for those seeking to build bridges and advance understanding and compassion across differences. —David M. Krueger, executive director, the Dialogue Institute at Temple University

Everyday Encounters is an insightful guide that navigates the complexities of human interaction. I especially appreciated the practical wisdom for transforming discord into meaningful dialogue across diverse cultural and ideological landscapes. It's a compelling resource for anyone seeking to foster constructive connections and navigate everyday encounters with authenticity and empathy. —Zeyneb Sayilgan, Muslim Scholar, Institute for Islamic, Christian and Jewish Studies (ICJS), Baltimore

This timely book highlights the most important skills and attitudes for making dialogue work across a spectrum of approaches. It will be particularly useful for those preparing to facilitate or participate in difficult dialogues, but anyone who wants to engage in more meaningful conversation will find helpful strategies for opening the "space between" that enables us to speak constructively across polarized divisions. —Kevin Minister, professor of religion and director of Shenandoah Conversation, Shenandoah University; and academic associate, Essential Partners

Everyday Encounters is succinct in its presentation while deeply insightful in its content. Hans Gustafson synthesizes the works of numerous academics and practitioners, resulting in a thoughtful, practical guide to the nature and practice of dialogue. This slim volume will be a welcome resource for both the scholar of interreligious studies and the practitioner of interfaith relationships. —Matthew Maruggi, associate professor of religion, Augsburg University

Everyday Encounters is a great introduction to dialogue as a concept and what tools and skills you need to practice dialogue. The book reminds us of the importance of seeing each other and making room for humanity. In a time of polarization, disagreement is not dangerous; dehumanization is. —Tonje Kristoffersen, managing director, Church Dialogue Centre of Oslo

From the Publisher