Brian Warby

Brian Warby earned a BA from Brigham Young University (2007) and a PhD from the University of South Carolina (2014), both in political science. After teaching at the University of Northern Iowa for over a decade he left academia to work for non-profits in international development. He recently worked for the US Overseas Cooperative Development Council and now operates as an independent research consultant.

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Learning Political Civility from Pahoran to Lincoln

by Brian Warby | undefined 66 | 09-19-2025

Abstract: In Cease to Contend: Healing a Nation Through Christlike Civility in Politics, Rodney Dieser offers a timely and faith-centered response to the growing crisis of political polarization and incivility. Grounded in the Savior’s admonition to avoid contention, Dieser draws from scripture, Church teachings, historical examples, and cognitive behavioral therapy to help readers recognize and overcome thought patterns that fuel division. This review explores the book’s integration of gospel principles with therapeutic tools, highlighting the power of humility, empathy, and reframing as antidotes to anger and dehumanization in public discourse. By invoking figures such as Pahoran and Abraham Lincoln, the book provides both spiritual and practical models for engaging in political conversations with grace and restraint.

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All journal publications and video presentations are available for free by digital download and streaming. The price of hard copy versions of journal articles covers only the cost of printing; books are typically priced to help cover both upfront pre—publication expenses and royalties to authors when applicable. In some cases, the Foundation may subsidize publication costs to keep retail prices affordable.