From Publishers Weekly
A book that honestly and practically addresses the destructive power of gossip would be very helpful for Christians. Unfortunately, this is not that book. It lacks a clear definition of gossip, prescribes tactless ways of handling negative communication and fails to delineate between constructive and destructive criticism. First-time author Sedler has experience as a teacher and a social worker, but writes this book from his current role as a pastor. Sedler's discussion of gossip and criticism is so interwoven with the language of spiritual warfare that most readers, even Christian readers, will find it foreign. He describes the aftermath of a counseling session: "That night, both Joyce and I felt defiled, unclean and oppressed. We realized we had not cleansed ourselves after the meeting and it was very apparent to us that some of those spirits and oppressive tendencies had attached themselves to us." The structure of the book follows the regressive stages of someone who listens to gossip or criticism without openly challenging it. These stages are confusion, contamination, foolishness, identification, fear, impurity and deception. Sedler wants to emphasize the critical role of the listener in such negative communication. But instead of arguing from common sense that only a listener has the opportunity to challenge destructive words, he paints a picture of dire consequences for all who fail to oppose such communication.
Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
From the Back Cover
Do your conversations empower or destroy?
Sticks and stones may break our bones, but words can sure hurt, too. Negative speech affects every home, church and workplace. What do you say when you're caught in an ungodly conversation? How do you avoid speaking harmful words? What do you do when others want you to engage in gossip with them?
Stop the Runaway Conversation offers positive and effective strategies to prevent you and those you care about from becoming "evil reporters." It answers questions such as:
Ž What is meant by an "evil report" and how do I recognize it?
Ž What if I just listen without comment. Isn't that O.K.?
Ž Can I learn to respond biblically to people who gossip and murmur?
This book will help you to use words that bring healing and hope, and put the brakes on runaway conversations.
"I highly recommend this excellent book. It is a truth that needs desperately to be read and applied."
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Joy Dawson, international Bible teacher and author
"Sedler does us a real service, analyzing an important subject about which little has been written."
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Dr. Francis S. MacNutt, founding director, Christian Healing Ministries, Inc.
"Sedler reveals the extent that evil conversations have polluted our lives--and worse, how often and badly we've all defiled others by our words and attitudes . . . By the end, if you've had 'ears to hear,' it will change your life."
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John and Paula Sandford, co-founders, Elijah House, Inc.
