Rhetoric Versus Inspiration

“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.

Rhetoric as a tool in missionary work

Rhetoric plays a vital role in our gospel. Rhetoric is the art of using language persuasively. Where more do we use this tool then in our religion? The most important work in our religion today is that of missionary work. The Lord has commanded the people with his gospel to bring it to all other nations and tongues. To accomplish this task, we have to use rhetoric on a daily basis. Probably the greatest effect we see today is the use of rhetoric by missionaries. By using language persuasively, they can bring the spirit into a home and have it testify to that person that what they are saying is true. This can only work through the Spirit. The Lord is the best user of rhetoric. Missionaries and church members use rhetoric to present what we feel is best for the person to hear. However, Heavenly Father is the true teacher in this instance. He knows the person better than we could ever hope to. He knows what will convince this person, and in many instances puts words in the teachers mind to say. Therefore, I suggest that rhetoric is the greatest tool we can use in our church today, in that bringing people to the gospel is our unifying goal. There are many examples in the Book of Mormon where teachers use rhetoric. Abinadi was brought before the king Noah for preaching the gospel to the people. He testifies of the coming of Jesus the Christ, and urges the wicked king to repent or be destroyed. King Noah does not heed the counsel and kills Abinadi. The use of rhetoric, however, was not wasted on Alma, Noah’s priest. Alma, influenced by the preaching of the prophet, flees the kings court and eventually becomes the prophet himself. He is instrumental in hundreds of baptisms and conversions by using the teachings of Abinadi. In this example, we can see how important rhetoric is. However, rhetoric loses its power when not taught with the influence of the Spirit. The power of rhetoric comes from the ability of the user to listen to the promptings of the Spirit, to say or write what the listener or reader needs to hear. Also, the spirit will prompt the listener or reader of rhetoric to receive it in a way that is best for him. Rhetoric is very instrumental in the hands of missionaries and prophets. Therefore, I suggest that it is one of the most important things to learn how to use in this day and age of our church.