I can't think of a more important course for any paralegal student--or any Christian--than that of Christian Conciliation. You won't learn substantive law in this course, but substantive law is worthless if you cannot use it to solve disputes. Sometimes those disputes are litigation--but Christian conciliation allows believers to solve disputes while both maintaining their witness and encouraging their brothers and sisters in Christ.
This course is designed to give you a Biblical basis for your thinking on dispute resolution, and then to allow you to think critically through secular theories and practical situations. I would encourage you to think through the theory you are given in terms of your own life. I would imagine that each of you is going through situations that could be classified as "disputes," be they large or small. If you can apply these Biblical principles in your own life, you will truly be equipped to help others in your paralegal careers and in your personal lives.
If you have not read Ken Sande's book, you are in for a treat in this course. If you have--the second time is even better. Mr. Sande and his Peacemaker Ministries have blessed thousands of Christians both directly and indirectly, and his teaching is both practical and Biblical. Use your course notebook as a chance to learn this truth...and get credit for it!
Part of the course, though, as you know, is reading a secular book on these topics and comparing it to the Biblical principles that form the core of the course. One of you has asked me what I would recommend, and a couple books came immediately to mind. These are only suggestions; you are welcome to come up with your own! The alternative dispute resolution course for the OBCL JD course had two excellent textbooks from the secular standpoint:
--"Getting to Yes" by Roger Fisher and William Ury. This is a small book, easy read, with some rather groundbreaking negotiation principles.
--"Effective Legal Negotiation and Settlement" by Charles Craver. This book in an exhaustive negotiation and ADR text--not an easy read, but chock full of insight into all facets of negotiations.
Another secular negotiation book that I can recommend is called "Beyond Reason," by Roger Fisher and Daniel Shapiro. It approaches the entire process from the aspect of emotions; a very interesting read.
But I don't want to do all of the recommending, as I am sure there are dozens of excellent books that would fit the bill that I have not read. I would rather open the floor for you to discuss books you are thinking about using. That's what the comment section is for!
God bless.
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