In the second of a three part series with Science for the Church on how the psychology of polarization can help our congregations navigate division, Hope College psychologist, Dr. Daryl Van Tongeren, will describe how increased narcissism contributes to our contemporary polarization. His work on humility – which he defines as being the right size in any given situation – is offered as an antidote to narcissism and a posture to help us bridge divides. He will conclude with suggestions to help us become more humble. Science for the Church’s executive director, Drew Rick-Miller, will then suggest how we can translate Dr. Van Tongeren’s research into ministry and congregational practices.

Daryl Van Tongeren is a professor of psychology and the director of the Frost Center for Social Science Research at Hope College. As a social psychologist, he studies topics like meaning, religion, identity, and virtue. He’s written on suffering, humility, and how individuals can flourish after leaving religion. Dr. Van Tongeren did his Ph.D. with forgiveness researcher, Everett Worthington at Virginia Commonwealth.  His most recent book is Done: How to Flourish After Leaving Religion. This webinar will feature his 2022 book, Humble: Free Yourself from the Traps of a Narcissistic World. When he is not pursuing the intersection of existential questions and psychological science, he enjoys running, biking, cooking, reading, and hiking the dunes of Lake Michigan 
Drew Rick-Miller is the co-founder and executive director of Science for the Church, a ministry seeking to strengthen churches through a deeper engagement with science.