OC Communication professor releases new textbook on managing conflict
David Lowry’s textbook, “Peacemaking 101,” released online by Kendall Hunt Publishing.
September 1, 2020
Oklahoma Christian University is proud to boast many academically published faculty, including the most recent textbook by Professor of Communication David Lowry. His book, which is now available online, is titled “Peacemaking 101: Interpersonal Approaches For Ending Drama and Conflict.”
Over time, Lowry has carefully researched and collected peacemaking techniques in the hopes of one day sharing his research with the world. He is thrilled that those insights will now be used in college classes across the nation.
“‘Peacemaking 101’ is a result of 10 years of thinking and preparation,” Lowry said. “Quail Springs Church of Christ [where Lowry serves as an elder] sent us to a peacemaker’s seminar; while I was there, I became really inspired and began doing some work for the church and peacemaking. It all came together after I decided, ‘I think I have something I want to say; I think this is a book I want to write.’”
Lowry explained that peacemaking is a vital skill because small claims courts are flooded with cases that take judges away from more serious civil court cases. The Oklahoma County Courthouse alone sees 40-50 cases a month from people with disputes and complaints that could otherwise be solved by an alternative solution: volunteers like Lowry helping the two sides in small claims cases to achieve a peaceful agreement.
Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 crisis, the publishing process for Lowry’s textboon has been slowed down significantly.
“It definitely slowed down people’s willingness to review chapters, to give feedback and things like that,” said Lowry. “But because it’s an online text, I had a lot more success than someone trying to get a publisher’s help with a printed textbook.”
Released through Kendall Hunt Publishing this summer, Lowry’s book encourages readers to discuss topics such as defining conflict, making peace with difficult people and peacemaking processes that work. Each chapter encourages readers to grow and advocate for peacemaking both in and out of the court system.
Over time, Lowry’s goal is to create a peacemaking organization on campus where students may learn the peacemaking skills taught in his book. One way he has started to pursue this goal is by the release of his own podcast by the same name. The podcast discusses many of the chapters within the book, inviting both students and individuals outside of the classroom to learn about peaceful resolutions. Those interested in reviewing the book can reach out to Lowry via email at david.lowry@oc.edu.
All profits made from OC students buying the book will be donated back to the Department of Communication.