How to Argue Like Jesus
by Victoria Criado, Editor-in-Chief on February 11, 2009 in Culture
How to Argue Like Jesus by Joe Carter and John Coleman (MPA/MBA ’10) offers a thoughtful exposition on the rhetorical tools employed by the Christian figure of Jesus of Nazareth. Their writing nicely draws upon a variety of historical references and renowned works on the elements of proper speech and language. The authors argue that both Christians and non-Christians can benefit from understanding and utilizing the communication methods espoused by the life and works of Jesus as narrated by the Gospel and the Epistles in the New Testament.
Although I agree with the authors that in principle, the rhetorical tools showcased by the biblical figure of the Christ are universal, for my taste, and perhaps for the taste of other less biblically-friendly folk, the book can feel a tad heavy on the use of scripture and religious language/examples. However, to be fair to the authors, the book is called How to Argue like Jesus, and they are clear from the very beginning that they will mainly draw from the life of Jesus in making their arguments.
Despite the sheer number of religious references, I found many of the biblical passages to be extremely interesting, well argued, and entirely appropriate for the case the authors were trying to make. The authors also engage other sources and figures, including a witty account of the philosopher Thales the Milesian taken from Aristotle’s Politics, and even provide examples from a few private sector companies (a testament to Coleman’s HBS-indoctrination). These examples not only enrich the narrative, but also strengthen the case for using the rhetorical tools they suggest.
The book is also generally well-written, and I was amused by some of their witty word plays and overall use of language, such as the chapter title “Heavenly Heuristics,” and their paraphrasing of a “rhetorical rule of thumb” based on Matthew 7:6 as, “Don’t cast your pearls before the swine.”
I was, however, a bit hurt by the authors’ sharp and negative quip against Howard Dean (and in the same sentence as Nikita Khrushchev’s United Nations’ episode!) when warning against succumbing to the pitfalls of failed emotion (energia): “Being over-the-top or insincere in a display of emotion can kill your connection with an audience – as Nikita Khrushchev, presidential candidate Howard Dean, or any number of failed actors could testify.” The people in the back couldn’t hear him! Didn’t you watch the post-primary coverage?!
Notwithstanding that one really tired Dean-jab, the book presents a relatively balanced, well-rounded (but definitely religiously-slanted) argument. At the end of each chapter, the authors provide a “concept review” and “questions for further consideration,” and conclude the book with three case studies, nicely breaking down the wrongs and rights of each example’s rhetorical style.
How to Argue like Jesus highlights and showcases a slew of tools and communication styles. It stresses the importance of pathos, ethos, and logos as the basic building blocks of any effective speaker. I was drawn to the authors’ reference to the cultivation of arête or a “sense of excellence” in one’s life as a precursor to the development of good leadership and effective and inspiring communication. As evidence of the importance of arête, the authors provide a laundry list of Jesus’ accomplishments, his overall knowledge, and general drive for excellence, which may provide a slightly unfair and maybe unrealistic benchmark for the average Joe seeking rhetorical recognition. “He quoted from 24 of the 39 books of the Old Testament” the authors state. In my ignorance, I found myself asking: “What was wrong with the other 15 books? Did He not like them? Were they hard to remember?”
In all seriousness, and to spare myself from getting into trouble (that was a mild attempt at humor in the most respectful way possible), I was particularly pleased with the book’s emphasis on the betterment of the self, the importance of establishing moral worth, and its call to use the art of communication to help and empower others. As Kennedy School students presumably move into the public sphere, the book reminds us that we must not lose sight of the inextricable link between doing good work and being able to communicate the importance of that good work through the use of effective and passionate rhetoric.
Speaking of “the appeal to the heart or pathos,” if you want to improve your rhetorical skills while simultaneously supporting a fellow student in his personal pursuit to improve the lives of others, please pick up a copy of How to Argue Like Jesus and visit the authors’ website at http://arguelikejesus.com/.
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