“But what about dinosaurs and evolution? You can’t argue with the scientific data that proves evolution exists. How does that fit in with the story of creation?”
Despite our best efforts, no religion will ever make perfect logical sense. In the end, we must choose whether or not to believe (through personal revelation or otherwise) that our religion is true without scientific data to support our claims. My atheist friends would argue that people join religions for emotional comfort, or because they cannot cope with the “truth” that there is nothing divine. Despite these compelling arguments against religion, individuals believe in the miraculous and supernatural. Is this the result of superior rhetoric or societal pressures? Or is there an innate truth in religion that is made manifest? As an LDS I believe that the Holy Ghost testifies of the truthfulness of the gospel. However, if we assume that the Spirit manifests of truth, what is the role of rhetoric?
In some cases we may have a testimony of something, but not fully understand WHY we do. This is faith without rhetoric. An example of this could be feeling God’s love for you without hearing any words.
However, rhetoric can aid us by effectively communicating lessons and even increase faith where understanding is lacking. For example, a member of the LDS may have a testimony that Joseph Smith was a prophet, but not the Word of Wisdom. Simple rhetoric can be used here to help persuade someone to follow the Word of Wisdom. Joseph Smith was a prophet, therefore he received the Word of Wisdom as revelation from God, therefore the Word of Wisdom should be followed.
Rhetoric appeals not only to our logical side. We may know in our hearts and minds that heaven is real and hell is a terrible place. However, a detailed description of hell can create a visceral response that a simple statement of “hell is bad” never will. For example, in the parable of Lazarus and the the rich man, the rich man begs Abraham to allow Lazarus to “dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.” (Luke 16:24) This parable targets the senses, focusing on how the flames of hell physically effect those within. We envision hell in a detailed and physical way that we we would be unable to do with other less detailed descriptions (such as “endless torment”). The visceral response, coupled with the logical mind reaches the following (oversimplified) conclusion: Be good and avoid hell!
Humans process thoughts and ideas through language. Language crafted to elicit specific responses forms rhetoric. Because of this, it can be difficult to differentiate between the power of the Spirit, which can speak, inspire, and testify of words, and the power of how the rhetoric itself is crafted. Well formed rhetoric teaches us in a form we can quickly grasp and understand, however the Spirit tells us that these things are true.
Great job creating such a well organized and thought out description of the use of rhetoric in the gospel! I really liked your example of the role rhetoric plays in our perceptions of hell.
ReplyDeleteI think your introduction could have flowed better. It seemed odd to have the first part in quotes (did anyone say it or were those questions you were posing?) and to have to separated into its own paragraph. Also, be careful when using 'LDS' to be sure it makes sense. Good work!
ReplyDeleteInteresting point of view. I hadn't thought of things like this before, and just for that I find your points interesting.
ReplyDeleteBut, I also think it was a tad difficult to follow some times.
I liked the idea that religion appeals to both the logical mind and the senses and emotions of a person. You made a good definition of rhetoric to separate it's influences from the Spirit's. Your conclusion almost follows the pattern of the logical appeal you used to make someone accept the word of wisdom.
ReplyDeleteGreat insights! You've used a great example with the story of Lazarus, and you've done a great job of mixing in quotes, imagery, etc. into your own writing as you retell the story and give its relevance.
ReplyDeleteI think it's interesting that you start with Rhetoric vs. Inspiration in the title, but by the last sentence it seems that they may, perhaps, work together.
Fantastic! I love your closing sentence.. It was a good way to sum up your detailed explanation in a few words.
ReplyDelete