1. Persuasion Mapping
Constructing a Theological Argument
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2. Christian theology is best understood as persuasive argument (Cunningham, 1993).
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3. Theological Argument:Deductive
A theological argument is a type of reflection. It states a premise and argues for it.
Preparing an argument involves researching, deconstructing, analyzing & persuading, while keeping cultural context in mind.
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4. 4
Premise
Supporting
Supporting
Step 2:
Substantiate the premise.
Supporting
Persuasion Map Overview
Reason 1
Reason 2
Reason 3
Step 3
Scripturally support each reason reason.
Step 1:
The premise.
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5. Step 1: State the Premise
The premise is the scriptural position you will argue
Concisely & clearly.
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6. Developing the Premise
TIPS:
Do your research before you write
Understand the core of the argument
Begin with a strong vision of the premise
Address the needs of the audience
Write a statement that is one to three sentences in length
Represent the argument with clear wording
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7. Step 2: Cite the Main Reasons
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Tell why your audience should accept your premise.
Logically sequence & connect reasons.
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8. Constructing the Reasons
TIPS:
Select reasons that are the key to the argument
Look for patterns that emerge in Scriptureas a guide
Present them in a logical sequence
Build reasons precept-upon-precept according to Scripture
Represent the argument with clear wording
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9. Step 3: Add Scriptural Evidence
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10. Supporting with Evidence
TIPS:
Do a thorough, full-scale investigation.
Consider the below methods of study:

Word study, cognates, etymology, grammar

11. Innertextual/intertextual analyses 12. Backgrounds-historical, cultural, political, social, etc.Support with Scripture, not your opinion
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13. Consider: Acknowledge Other Perspectives
People hold perspectives about the premise that differ from your beliefs.
What are these perspectives?
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14. Still To Consider: Respond to Other Perspectives
How do you respond to anothers perspectives?
Seek to understand the persons point of view. Support your response with Scripture.
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15. References
Power point was based on information from the below sources.
Background Labs. (2011). Abstract pattern 07. Retrieved May 2, 2011, from http://www.backgroundlabs.com/detail/link-198.html
Burke, J. (2007). Tools and texts for 50 essential lessons. Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann.
Cunningham, D. (1993).Faithful persuasion: In aid of a rhetoric of Christian theology. University of Notre Dame Press.
IRA/NCTE. (2011). Persuasion map. Read.Write.Think. Retrieved April 21, 2011, from http://www.readwritethink.org/classroom-resources/student-interactives/persuasion-30034.html
Mayberry, K. & Golden, R. (1996). For arguments sake: A guide for effective arguments. (2nd Ed). New York NY: HarperCollins.
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16. References
Power point was based on information from the below sources.
National Museum of American History. (1951). Image no. 2006.108.161. Retrieved May 2, 2011, from http://click.si.edu/Image.aspx?image=2672&story=100&back=Story
Presenter Media. (2011).Stick men. Retrieved April 22, 2011, from http://www.presentermedia.com/index.php?target=closeup&id=4576&categoryid=120&maincat=animsp
Tandy, G. (2011). Evidence image. Retrieved April 30, 2011, from http://www.georgetandy.com/Evidence.htm
Yaghijian, L. Writing theology well: A rhetoric for theological and biblical writers. New York, NY: HarperCollins.
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