In

part 4 of Knowing What You Believe and Why You Believe It, Les Norman and guest host Ed Croteau discuss rhetoric and how we can use it to persuade others of Biblical truths. Ed is the leader and founder of FSE (Faith, Substance, Evidence) University at Abundant

Life Church, Lee’s Summit. FSE University meets every Sunday morning at 9:30 AM, in room 1024 of the main building.

Last week, we talked about how people decide what is true. This week, we will learn how to persuade others to believe a truth claim. Rhetoric is an art form of persuasion or debate. It includes three forms: logos (facts and evidence), ethos (expert opinion or charisma), and pathos (appealing to emotions, dreams, and hopes).

Jesus used logos, ethos, and pathos when he taught.

Matthew 7:28-29: When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching,

because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law. (Ethos)

John 8:9: Then those who heard it, being convicted by their conscience, went out one by one, beginning

with the oldest even to the last. And Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. (Pathos)

Jesus is the logos.

Likewise, we can use all three forms to persuade and debate Biblical truths, such as how God is the best explanation for the origin of the universe. For example, we can present irrefutable facts that support that the universe has a beginning and use respected, non-religious experts to debate this point as well.

Abundant Life Church Website:

livingproof.co

FSE Website:

https://fse.life