Second, be very careful to think about your audience’s…
““Second, be very careful to think about your audience’s premises. Don’t assume, for example, that everyone listening trusts the Bible. So when you make a point from the Bible, it will help to show that some other trusted authority (such as empirical science) agrees with the Bible. Use it to promote trust of the Bible, saying something like, “See, the Bible was telling us centuries ago what science now confirms.” That will help convince your hearers of that point so you can move on. By the end of the sermon, of course, you will be appealing only to God’s Word, but in the early stages of the sermon you invite nonbelievers along by showing respect for their doubts about the Bible’s reliability.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Encourages aligning biblical claims with widely accepted evidence to build credibility with skeptical listeners before focusing solely on scripture.
In simple terms: Show biblical points with trusted evidence to gain trust.
Key Takeaway
Blend evidence with faith to engage skeptics.
Themes
communication
faith
persuasion
credibility
dialogue
Mood
thoughtful
strategic
Type
instructional
persuasive
When to use this quote
- church sermons
- public speaking
- interfaith dialogue
- teaching
- apologetics
Key Concepts
theology
epistemology
rhetoric
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you identify trusted authorities for diverse audiences?
- When should you transition fully to scriptural arguments?
A Different Perspective
Relies on audience sharing similar values; may backfire if evidence conflicts.