Jesus sent His disciples into the world as sheep among wolves, instructing them to be "as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves" (Matt. 10:16). In Using the Psychology of Attraction in Christian Outreach: Lessons from the Dark Side, Wendy L. Patrick proposes that consistent with this instruction, Christian outreach should incorporate effective strategies of interpersonal influence into a biblical, proactive approach to sharing faith. Drawing on her experience as a sex crimes prosecutor and a review of relevant research, this book exposes five powerful social and psychological techniques (proactivity, emotional appeal, identification, affirmation, and credibility) used successfully within both the dark side by criminals and on the positive side of interpersonal influence by those with selfless motives seeking to benefit others that capitalize on the power of attraction. Because the outcome of these techniques is dependent on the motivation of the user, this book explores the efficacy of using them authentically, selflessly, and benevolently in Christian outreach.

We all need emotional blinders: the etiquette that keeps society smoothly moving depends on it. But when you absolutely must rely on another person, you have to be able to assess them objectively. Red Flags shares simple strategies anyone can use to spot deceptive, or dangerous people, who use ingratiation and social convention to draw in and lull victims. Readers will learn how even the most sceptical of us use rose coloured lenses on those around us, in three sections: Blinded by Desire - from the alluring lenses of attraction and positive attention to the blindness of marital "bliss" and the distorted lens of delusion. Overlooking Red Flags in a Professional Setting - how reassuring proximity and the false security of credibility and similarity can lead to costly mistakes. Be Afraid of What You Can't See - the ultimate cost of wearing emotional blinders around the truly disturbed criminal, from sexual predation to domestic abuse, stalking and cyberstalking. Readers will learn how to: Avoid selective attention, Observe people over time (bad guys rely on first impressions), Ask questions: most people's favourite topic is themselves, Cyber sleuth to verify information and track down inconsistencies. You need this book if you: Want to know if a potential boyfriend is trustworthy, Are interviewing or hiring new employees, Are selecting anyone to take care of your children, Are lending money or property or Have partners in business.