The Need for Conflict Resolution
There is an increased sentiment of conflict and division amongst American and global populations. Are you amongst them? In light of recent exasperating events from the last half-decade, like pandemics, global conflicts, and a couple of divisive election cycles, it can be hard to feel “peace on Earth and goodwill toward men.” While these large-scale issues occupy our minds, conflict within close relationships can feel particularly unbalancing and disruptive to everyday life. Can you relate? Among other factors identified in research, those who report feeling they have a ‘great life’ attribute it to living in a great community and having loved ones they can turn to for help. Thankfully, there is a certain branch of study focused on solving arguments at the global and personal level: the study of Conflict Resolution. There are actual, scientifically designed and proven theories and methods for easing interpersonal conflict. Moreover, these theories don’t require a genius-level intellect to understand or implement them in personal life.
The Idea for a Video Series
Skyline Research Institute––a non-profit dedicated to bridging Christian discipleship with scientific theory––has joined forces with Public Square Media to introduce a 12-part series of videos explaining basic principles for Conflict Resolution. The video series has been in the works for a couple of years, inspired by two speeches from President Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The idea for the project came to one of the project’s script-writers while listening to President Nelson’s message about the healing power of gratitude in 2020. At the time, this student and TA for a collegiate course in Interpersonal Theory and Practice, couldn’t help recognizing the correlation between President Nelson’s plea for “civility” and the basic principles from his coursework. Though initially postponed due to the challenges of the time, the concept found renewed energy when President Nelson later emphasized a similar call in his talk, Peacemakers Needed.
The Tone and Audience
Skyline Research Institute enthusiastically embraced the idea, recognizing the universal importance of conflict resolution and exploring ways to tailor the content for maximum impact. Once the series director and new script co-writer came on board, a vision emerged for a comedic tone. This approach aims to counter the heaviness of the subject material with light-heartedness, making the videos more emotionally digestible and consumable, particularly for younger audiences. To complement this tone, each video is paired with an article explaining in greater depth the theories or philosophy expounded in it, offering additional intellectual stimulation for more mature audiences—enter Public Square Magazine.
Content and Aesthetic
The creation of the videos is religiously motivated and correlates doctrines from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; however, the content of the videos remains secularly focused on explaining well-adopted theories in psychology, conflict resolution, and emotional management. Each video was inspired by direct quotations from President Nelson’s talk Peacemakers Needed, then paired with a relevant academic theory that explains the same principle. Coupled with quick editing, the animation style looks as if someone is drawing pictures on a whiteboard in a silly and perhaps even irreverent style of line art. The “artist” often uses personified objects or animals to convey a sort of pictorial symbolic analogy for the theory being explained. The visuals typically convey a literal interpretation of the narrator’s symbolic language exaggerating the irony in each figure of speech.
The Introductory Video: “Peacemaking”
With this article, we are excited to unveil the pilot video of the Peacemaking Series. It begins with a series of vignettes depicting rather chaotic interpersonal and global relationship metaphors: a person dancing around social landmines, relationships teetering on the edge of a cliff, and people throwing spears across the internet. While no wizard can grant a magic solution, a message of empathy and help for those with a genuine motivation for more peace in their lives follows. Each video within the series contains powerful principles for creating healthier relationships through perspectives and techniques of peacemaking.
One Interaction at a Time
We can literally change the world—one person and one interaction at a time. How? By modeling how to manage honest differences of opinion with mutual respect and dignified dialogue. ~ President Nelson
The series begins with its first piece of advice: Start by taking personal responsibility for changing the world around you one interaction at a time. Consider how this message echoes some of the greatest advocates for peace.
Gandhi ~
Peace requires one first to be brave enough to love another, and to trust another. That requires faith in oneself. One has not the strength to be peaceful if he is fighting the internal duel of selfish desires.
Knowledge lay in the investigation of things. Things being investigated, knowledge became complete. Their knowledge being complete, their thoughts were sincere. Their thoughts being sincere, their hearts were then rectified. Their hearts being rectified, their persons were cultivated. Their persons being cultivated, their families were regulated. Their families being regulated, their states were rightly governed. Their states being rightly governed, the whole kingdom was made tranquil and happy.
We are not responsible for the environment we are born in; neither are we responsible for our hereditary circumstances. But there is a third factor for which we are responsible, namely, the personal response which we make to these circumstances.
Jesus Christ ~
If thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first, be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift. . .
Moreover, if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. (in Mathew 5:23-24, and Mathew 18:15)
Conclusions
Skyline Research and Public Square invite you to join us as we roll out these playful and quippy videos each month this year. The accompanying article is an opportunity to dive deeper into the theories and philosophies underpinning them; these videos and articles aim to serve as valuable resources for seminary teachers, professors, mothers, fathers, church teachers, and anyone seeking to enrich their understanding and teaching of these concepts. As a sneak peek, here is a list of all the episode titles. We hope it helps build some excitement, but most importantly, we genuinely hope these videos help you become a peacemaker within your personal relationships. Together, we wish you a happier New Year, with more peace on earth and goodwill to all.
Controlling Anger
Conflict Is Natural
Semantic Ambiguity
Positive Gossip
Bridges of Understanding
Disagreements Bring Balance
Forgiveness
Save the Relationship!
Conflict Management Styles
What Is Power?
The Resource Video
