I have long believed that Christian evidences are enhanced by subtlety, and even understatement. So I solicit your response to the article by Dolores G. Morris (of the Gospel Coalition), Weaker Assertion → Stronger Argument. — T.J.
Thank you for sending me this. I have striven to follow this counsel, in the spirit of philosopher, mathematician, and physicist Pascal, for quite a few years now.
I often project Pascal’s words in evidences PowerPoints: “God so regulates the knowledge of himself that he has given some signs of himself, visible to those who seek him and not to those who seek him not. There is enough obscurity for those who have a contrary disposition” (Blaise Pascal, Pensées).
Pascal’s point is that God neither overpowers us with proof of his existence (violating or disrespecting human free will) nor provides such weak evidence that unbelievers are fully justified in rejecting faith.
This is in no way to approve of weak or poor arguments—of which we believers have often been guilty—but the truth is that understatement may enhance credibility, and even leave our hearers wanting more. For those of us who speak publicly, this approach is much more persuasive to audiences than overwhelming audiences with data, even when our reasons are valid.
I am reminded of the Lord’s handling of Elijah at a low moment in his life: The Lord said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.” Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper (1 Kings 19:11-12).
Gentleness—was this not a characteristic of our Lord as he mentored his disciples? I’m reminded of the Proverbs 25:15: Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone.
Last, an excellent book on the topic is Dallas Willard’s The Allure of Gentleness, a great read. Actually, the full title and subtitle captures the theme beautifully. It’s The Allure of Gentleness: Defending the Faith in the Manner of Jesus – Demonstrating Christianity Through a Transformed Life of Love and Humility.
Thank you again for sending me Morris’s article.
