Christian Critical Thinking Skills | Tobin Beck

The Concordia Publishing House Podcast

Tobin Beck joins host Elizabeth Pittman for this episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast to discuss the seemingly ever-increasing divisiveness our society is experiencing, and how we can practically respond and critically reflect on cultural issues as Christians.

Learn more about Tobin by visiting www.cune.edu.

Show Notes:

We are all seeing disagreements and disputes play out in the news and on social media today as political tensions rise and the gap between groups widens. Professor Tobin Beck from Concordia University Nebraska talks about his process for critical thinking when reflecting on the cultural issues we face today, so that we can have healthier and more productive conversations. As a journalist with more than 30 years of experience, he shares what he has learned from different roles in the industry and what he now is able to share with his students in the classroom.

Learn more about Tobin: www.cune.edu/today/directory/people/tobin-beck.

Questions Covered

· What are you experiencing – and do you have any thoughts – on the divisiveness we are seeing today and how it’s impacting students?

· Tell us about the difference between political commentary and news and ethics. What should be looking at as we filter information?

· Have you had any students who have tried your process and it worked?

· When we find ourselves in an emotional situation or a kneejerk reaction coming on, how can we catch ourselves?

· How do you get to a place where you can have online dialogue in a respectful way? Are there benefits?

· What encouragements do you have for listeners as midterm elections approach and as family holidays draw near where you may have conversations with people who hold different opinions than your own?

About the Guest

Tobin Beck teaches journalism and global issues classes at Concordia University Nebraska. He is a journalist with more than 30 years of experience, including 13 years of experience as a global news service writer-editor-senior manager in Washington, D.C. He has written and edited for newspapers, radio, television, the web, and magazines. He taught at American University in Washington, D.C., and at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia. Tobin grew up in Seward, where his father, Theodore, taught music at Concordia.