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

Joe Carter (Author), John Coleman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 2, 2009

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 age of thirty-three. Yet, in spite of all odds-obscurity, powerlessness, and execution-his words revolutionized human history.

How to Argue Like Jesus examines the life and words of Jesus and describes the various ways in which he sought-through the spoken word, his life, and his disciples-to reach others with his message. The authors then pull some very simple rhetorical lessons from Jesus' life that readers can use today.

Both Christian and non-Christian leaders in just about any field can improve their ability to communicate effectively by studying the words and methods of history's greatest communicator.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"How to Argue Like Jesus will help communications professors to teach angelically. Carter and Coleman Christianize Aristotle and add heavenly heuristics that show how Jesus used story and imagery, and how we can go and do likewise."
—Marvin Olasky, Editor-in-chief, World News Group

"This engaging and edifying study by two gifted Christian writers shows that Jesus understood better than all the others both who he was talking to and what they needed to hear. It turns out that the right kind of straight talk really can confound the smooth experts, and being rhetorically effective doesn't have to be at the expense of your good name. This is a genuine self-help book."
—Peter Lawler, Dana Professor of Government, Berry College; author, Homeless and at Home in America

"Anti-intellectualism plagues the modern church, but the best response is not a false intellectualism. How to Argue like Jesus falls into neither trap. It effectively teaches logic and critical thinking in the context of a well-lived life. This is what the church needs."
—John Mark Reynolds, Founder and Director, Torrey Honors Institute

"Carter and Coleman take a complex topic and distill it into a clear and readable volume on proper communication. I highly recommend this book."
—William J. Bennett, Fellow, The Claremont Institute; co-founder of Culture11

About the Author

JOE CARTER (BA, Excelsior College) is the managing editor for Culture11, an online magazine. His personal blog, The Evangelical Outpost, was voted "Best Religious Blog" in the 2005 Weblog Awards and was named one of the "Best Spiritual Blogs" by Belief.net. Carter contributed to Crossway's The New Media Frontier.

JOHN COLEMAN (Berry College) was named the nation's top overall intercollegiate speech competitor in 2004. After working for two years at a top management consulting firm, Coleman is currently pursuing an MBA/MPA at the Harvard Business School and Harvard Kennedy School.

Product Details

• Paperback: 174 pages
• Publisher: Crossway (January 2, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1433502712
• ISBN-13: 978-1433502712
• Product Dimensions: 0.2 x 5.5 x 8.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #351,063 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Practical, Useful, and Illuminating February 13, 2009

By Andrew F. Wood

Format:Paperback

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. Read more ›

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Simply superb March 21, 2009

By Anglican Bibliophile

Format:Paperback

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.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars How to Argue Like Jesus teaches its reader how to empower the world through words February 21, 2009

By Jon D.

Format:Paperback

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.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Balanced and helpful September 22, 2012

By Steve Jones

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

This book delivers what it offers. You will find beneficial insights with genuine wisdom and a respectful look at Jesus without an attempt to force an opinion on you spiritually.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Learn from the best. February 18, 2009

By Stephen Saucier

Format:Paperback

In "How to Argue Like Jesus," readers are introduced to the pillars of Aristotelian argumentation in an easily readable format, which is an achievement in itself. Readers who are new to theory on argumentation and debate will not be alienated, but experienced debaters will still learn some things they hadn't known before.
However, what sets this book apart is how it takes Jesus as a prime example of each of the pillars of a good argument. The authors cite countless Biblical references and numerous examples from other great debaters and leave Christians with a new understanding of how to effectively promote their message.
Anyone who enjoys analyzing issues from both sides will find the techniques outlined in the book invaluable, and anyone who wants to be able to defend a position in a real debate will consider it indispensable.