The Persuasive Power of Story
There are some who strongly object to a preacher using anything that might persuade or convince unless it is the cold logic of a syllogism. Some make exception for the quoting of the Bible as an authoritative text, but they consider a heart-moving story as manipulation. They fear the preacher has sold out to the hucksters of Madison Avenue’s “hidden persuaders.”
Is there a distinction to be made between shameful manipulation and acceptable persuasion? If so, where do you draw the line? It is a fact of twenty-first century life that western civilization is no longer moved by logical arguments. Instead we make life-shaping decisions based on emotional appeal.
It has become a cliche to critique the pastor’s sermon illustrations as “tear-jerking stories.” Is it OK for a speaker to move the listener to laughter but not to tears? Tell me where you draw the line.
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