Russell P. Johnson - "Beyond Civility in Social Conflict" - Marvin Wickware
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Russell P. Johnson will discuss his book "Beyond Civility in Social Conflict: Dialogue, Critique, and Religious Ethics." He will be joined in conversation by Marvin Wickware. A Q&A and signing will follow the discussion.
At the Co-op.
About the book: How can one speak and act in ways that overcome entrenched social conflicts? In polarized societies, some insist that the survival of democracy depends on people abiding by rules of civility and mutual respect. Others argue that the political situation is so dire that one's values need to be fought for by any means necessary. Across the political spectrum, people feel like they need to choose between the morality of dialogue and the effectiveness of protest.
"Beyond Civility in Social Conflict" makes an important intervention in this debate. Taking insights from nonviolent direct action, it provides a model for advocacy that is both compassionate and critical. Successful communicators can help their opponents by dismantling the illusions and unjust systems that impede human flourishing and pit people against one another. The final chapter turns specifically to Christian ethics, and what it means to 'love your enemies' by disagreeing with them.
About the author: Russell P. Johnson teaches religious studies at the University of Chicago. His research focuses on disagreement, antagonism, and how groups imagine and treat their enemies. Prof. Johnson teaches the popular courses "Villains: Evil in Philosophy, Religion, and Film" and "Star Wars and Religion," and he is a 2026 recipient of the Swogger Award for Exemplary Classroom Teaching.
About the interlocutor: Marvin Wickware is an Associate Professor of Church and Society and Ethics at the Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago. He works on Black liberation theology, feminist theory, and the study of emotion and affect. He is the author of "Loving Through Enmity: Healing the Broken Heart of Christian Antiracist Work" (Fortress, 2025).
At the Co-op.
About the book: How can one speak and act in ways that overcome entrenched social conflicts? In polarized societies, some insist that the survival of democracy depends on people abiding by rules of civility and mutual respect. Others argue that the political situation is so dire that one's values need to be fought for by any means necessary. Across the political spectrum, people feel like they need to choose between the morality of dialogue and the effectiveness of protest.
"Beyond Civility in Social Conflict" makes an important intervention in this debate. Taking insights from nonviolent direct action, it provides a model for advocacy that is both compassionate and critical. Successful communicators can help their opponents by dismantling the illusions and unjust systems that impede human flourishing and pit people against one another. The final chapter turns specifically to Christian ethics, and what it means to 'love your enemies' by disagreeing with them.
About the author: Russell P. Johnson teaches religious studies at the University of Chicago. His research focuses on disagreement, antagonism, and how groups imagine and treat their enemies. Prof. Johnson teaches the popular courses "Villains: Evil in Philosophy, Religion, and Film" and "Star Wars and Religion," and he is a 2026 recipient of the Swogger Award for Exemplary Classroom Teaching.
About the interlocutor: Marvin Wickware is an Associate Professor of Church and Society and Ethics at the Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago. He works on Black liberation theology, feminist theory, and the study of emotion and affect. He is the author of "Loving Through Enmity: Healing the Broken Heart of Christian Antiracist Work" (Fortress, 2025).
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Where is it happening?
5751 S Woodlawn Ave, Chicago, IL, United States, Illinois 60637
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
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Host or PublisherThe Seminary Co-op Bookstores
