Publications

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

by Joe Carter and John Coleman

Copyright: 2009
Publisher: Crossway

Summary:

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.

Endorsements:

“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

“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

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