How to Argue Like Jesus: Learning Persuasion from History's Greatest Communicator

by Joe Carter, John Coleman, John Coleman

Book Overview

Uses Jesus' words and actions found in the New Testament to systematically evaluate his rhetorical stylings, drawing real lessons from his teachings that today's readers can employ.

Jesus of Nazareth never wrote a book, held political office, or wielded a sword. He never gained sway with the mighty or influential. He never took up arms against the governing powers in Rome. He was a lower-class worker who died an excruciating death at the...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1433502712
• ISBN13: 9781433502712
• Release Date: January 2009
• Publisher: Crossway
• Length: 176 Pages
• Weight: 0.80 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.4" x 8.4"

Customer Reviews

Simply superb

This exceptionally readable volume is both a fine introduction to Jesus' use of rhetoric for those studying that subject, and an insightful study of Jesus and his effective use of language for those seeking to know more about him. It is not a devotional book on the one hand; on the other, it is not a mechanistic manual of rhetorical devices. But it succeeds admirably in teaching the reader things about argument and about Jesus that chances are the reader has not learned before--or surely not with such effect. While there is much about the writing and content of this book that is noteworthy, where I think the authors have truly made their mark is in producing a book so suitable for so many audiences. Beyond the many individual readers, Christian and non-Christian alike, who will benefit from this overview of Jesus' use of rhetoric, the book is an exceptional resource for undergraduate and seminary courses on Jesus, for homiletics classes, for introductory rhetoric classes, for church and college book groups, and for church school classes. The subject matter and presentation lends itself to all of these groups, but the addition of study questions and case studies ensures that any group can easily adopt this book for its situation. Likewise, the book's content would not be intimidating for better high school students, but in no way is too elementary for those with advanced degrees. This achievement itself is an endorsement of the authors' skill and understanding of the very subject matter they present. Joe Carter and John Coleman are to be commended for what this reader hopes will be the first of many such books. Crossway has enhanced its reputation further by publishing this superb and perceptive book.

How to Argue Like Jesus teaches its reader how to empower the world through words

How to Argue Like Jesus by Coleman & Carter is a powerful yet easy to comprehend guide book allowing the common reader to understand and master the skills of our world's greatest philosophers and leaders from throughout time. From Aristotle and Socrates, to understanding why Martin Luther King's "I Had A Dream Speech" is so powerful, Coleman & Carter teach the most crucial moments of history & bible and how we can use them to make a difference in our lives, work, and communities. Distilling the essence of argument and impact, the book endows us with an understanding of the skills that have provided the greatest leaders/speakers with the platform for driving impact and making a difference. I sincerely recommend reading this book if you are interested in leadership and driving impact, persuading those around you, or better understanding the underpinnings of how Jesus and other great leaders of the past used rhetoric to change the world.

Practical, Useful, and Illuminating

If you speak to do well - but also to do right - How to Argue Like Jesus is a worthy addition to your library. I say this not only as an occasional instructor of public speaking classes but also as an agnostic who, nonetheless, is impressed with the message contained in this book. The authors lay out an impressive goal: to employ an Aristotelian framework that unpacks the rhetorical strategies of Jesus (even as Jesus offers a means to illuminate Aristotle's notions of ethos, pathos, and logos). Given my interest in logos, I am particularly drawn to the reminder that, "While many modern anti-thesists argue for the irrationality of religion, Jesus is an exemplar of reason, rationality, and logic" (p. 44). The authors then expand their gaze to explore Jesus' use of imagery, his strategies for message dissemination, and the ways in which his rhetorical principles may be applied to contemporary speaking challenges. This is, after all, a practical book. The authors expertly shift from historical context to rhetorical analysis to personal application, demonstrating how even complex concepts and strategies may be employed in familial, academic, and corporate environments. Notable contributions include a rich description of argumentative strategies and a section exploring the five C's of effective parables that will prove useful to those who would motivate people in both businesses and places of worship (pp. 94-95) -- though I would add that the bright line between grows ever more dim. Perhaps the most fascinating component of this book appears (at first) to be its least rhetorical: a discussion of the cellular process or organization growth and maintenance. The authors state, "So Christ commanded his disciples not only to stick together but to disperse" (p. 119). From this point, the authors offer an insightful discussion of the role of communication in a world of increasingly detached human relationships. While written as a textbook - with a list of key terms, questions for consideration, and even footnotes - How to Argue Like Jesus is designed for a "lay audience." It is not for scholars or would-be scholars; it is for those who simply wish to be more effective speakers. The authors wisely write in a manner that is not pedantic but is rather practical, direct, and engaging. I would further add that How to Argue Like Jesus may be termed a sort of ministry for folks like me who have not thought carefully about the various lessons, warnings, and opportunities offered by Christ but, in studying his words from a technical perspective, gain some sense of the deeper purpose of the work. As such, I can highly recommend this book.

Insightful reading. A must.

Great reading no matter what your beliefs are. The authors' insights into the teaching style of Jesus and how to apply those techniques to build your on arguments are fascinating. Easy but entertaining read.

Well-researched book that is good for all religions (including non-believers)

I haven't been into religion (or my faith of Catholicism) for awhile. This book doesn't disenfranchise folks like me. It is a very direct look on a great man's rhetorical style and shows how his style, substance, and words can be applied to your arguments. The authors bring modern research to their analysis (you'll see references to McKinsey Consulting, The Economist, Malcolm Gladwell) which strengthens their writing. I would recommend this for anyone who needs to make a speech (lawyers, teachers, politicians) and regular folks who need a tool bag to argue for their rights or beliefs.