Archive for the ‘opinion’ Category
The Illusion of Persuasion
Posted on: 2018/04/18
- In: analysis | opinion
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Most are deluded with the idea we can say something to another person, which will cause that person to change their mind about a particular topic. We think we can persuade others to think like us.
I repeat — that is a delusion.
Now, granted, sometimes we do say things and then, coincidentally, other people changing their view of things. But even when that happens, it’s not because of us, it’s because of them!
People are free-will individuals. They get to make up their own minds. They get to make their own choices. They get to set their own priorities. They get to decide what is important and what is not. They choose what they believe.
People are neither good or bad, just because they disagree with us. They are just different, and that is their choice.
What we can do is inspire or motivate others to act on what they already believe.
I spent much of my career in the direct mail fundraising business. Fortunately, for me, early on, I learned this: It’s not about persuading people to agree with me, it’s about finding people who already agree and motivating them to act on what they believe.
An example: Most political campaign communications are not about changing Rs to Ds or Ds to Rs. It’s about convincing your opposing voters their cause is lost and there is no point in voting; and, at the same time, inspiring your supporting voters, theirs is the winning side and they should “get on the bandwagon” to victory.
In matters of commerce, you’ll never convince someone to buy your product or service, unless they already believe they have the “problem” your product or service resolves.
People do change their minds all the time. But those changes are unpredictable and are caused by far more factors and considerations than what little anyone of us may contribute to them.
So, speak out about what you believe. Believe what you say. But let everyone else do the same.
Does the Sermon Reach the Audience?
Posted on: 2017/03/06
- In: journal | opinion
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Carey Nieuwhof has written a great post on Audience Analysis applied to Sermon preparation & delivery:
How To Know What Your Audience Is Thinking BEFORE You Communicate
Too often, people who present material (on any topic, not just spiritual topics) focus on what they have to say, rather than what their audience will hear.
In his post, Carey describes his process to bring those two things closer together.
This is worth review by any preacher or teacher, or even sales rep!
Difficult Questions: The Trinity?
Posted on: 2017/02/20
When you have the time, you should do a little research on the history of the doctrine of the Trinity. I’m not going to review the whole history in this post, but it’s useful history to be aware of.
The short version goes back to the First Council of Nicaea, in 325. There were a lot of theological disputes back in those days, so Emperor Constantine pressured the leading bishops of the day to gather and resolve these. One of the issues centered around the nature of Jesus Christ. Ultimately related to that question was which of the writings in circulation at the time, should be considered “sacred.”
As part of the discussion, one guy promulgated what we know call “The Trinity”, God in three persons, but one God.
I don’t have any huge objection to the use of this “paradigm”, but I think we should recognize it is an attempt to explain something about God, which we cannot understand. So, it’s more a statement about our capacity to grasp God, than it is a statement about God.
As you may know, one of the significant objections Muslims have to the way Christians talk about God, is that we have three gods (Father, Son, Spirit), while Muslims have but one God.
I think the Muslims have phrased it more properly.
God has presented himself to us in three different ways. But that has to do with our intellectual capabilities, not the limits of God.
He presented himself as Jesus, to give us a living example of what it means to be the person he wants us to be.
He presents himself as the Spirit, because of his continuing presence and influence in our life, if we are persistent in seeking him.
But God is God. He is sovereign.
We should acknowledge him and him alone, and admit we can’t comprehend everything there is to know about God.
Humility is a good thing.
Inconvenience
Posted on: 2016/06/23
Have you ever noticed, being a disciple of Jesus is inconvenient?
As a Jesus disciple, our focus is ideally, and continually, on others, seeking to do what is best for them. Figuring out what is best for others takes time and thought. Then actually doing it, may be even more difficult — either in terms of time or effort.
But all of that is inconvenient — but then, it’s not about us, is it?
But the law of loving others could not be discovered by reason, because it is unreasonable / Leo Tolstoy (Anna Karenina)
Is authenticity authentic?
Posted on: 2014/08/04
For Jesus’ believers, this post by Seth Godin raises and interesting question. Worth your consideration
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