On christian doctrine - pam
- 1. Augustine ~ 426 “On Christian Doctrine” sections 20 - 40
- 2. Background Review Topic - how to convey truths “How to” - Oral sermons that are not composed in detail before delivery Preacher must be ready to adapt his discourse based on reaction of congregation (audience)
- 3. His Beliefs Platonic - believes in conveying truth wisdom is more important than eloquence Eloquence can be achieved without Rhetorical training
- 4. Highlights of Book 4 language is only a means to the final contemplation of “divine” truth deceptive methods should not be employed for the sake of persuasion Follows Cicero in pattern for Rhetoric - pleasing, teaching and moving to action
- 5. His Notoriety Augustine’s text is still in print today Is highly regarded as major landmark in Christian thinking about Biblical Exegesis and Preaching
- 6. Main Points in 20-25 The message of the Bible must be delivered with wisdom and eloquence; however, clarity is more important than eloquence. A Pastor should labor to be understood through their clearness of expression and not in a way that represents themselves as authority. Elegant expression should be put aside for telling and explaining well what is being pointed out. Good or correct speech is not useful if it keeps the hearer from understanding the message. In a church setting, the congregation cannot raise their hands to ask a question so, the speaker must accommodate the silent listener. The pastor must know when the message has come across and then stop delivering it so as not to cause the people to grow weary and not care about his point.
- 7. main points in 26-30 What is obscure must be made clear in a pleasing manner so it bears fruit. “Even the very food that is necessary for life must have seasoning” An orator ought to speak in such a way to instruct, to please and to persuade. If the listener does not know what to do then instruction must precede persuasion. If the truth is pleasing , then eloquence is not necessary. It is necessary that the sacred orator, when urging that something be done, should not only teach in order to instruct, but to move in order to win. “On Conviction”- let it be said !! : and let righteousness, not evil, gain a willing hearing!
- 8. Main Points in 31-35 charm of style is not pleasing in which , slight and unimportant truths are adorned with a foamy redundancy of expression. He who has been given the role of teacher in the Church ought to have before his eyes three of the Apostles Epistles ! Timothy 2Timothy Titus: He will be eloquent who can speak in a subdued manner on important matters; in order to please, in a moderate style on things of greater importance; and in order to persuade, in a grand style on great subjects. With concern for a mans welfare, the orator/pastor must warn against eternal destruction.
- 9. Main Points in 36-40 Grand If adverse opinion is forced to change Moderate When a thing is being criticized or commended Subdued When something is being explained Style depends on the message being delivered