Ascribing Divine Authority

In Mormon rhetorical theory, it is common for the speaker to call attention to the listener to not attribute the thoughts and feelings that they are having to themselves, but rather, to Deity Himself. Elder Neal A Maxwell when speaking about teaching quoted Brigham Young who said, “Anything besides that influence (the Holy Spirit), will fail to convince any person of the truth of the Gospel of salvation.” It is this focus of Mormon rhetoric that becomes so powerful. The turning of the audience towards the Godhead itself allows each individual to connect what they are thinking and feeling as divinely appointed.

Photo from: sites.lib.byu.edu

In 1989, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland spoke in a BYU devotional address he entitled, “Of Souls, Sacraments, and Symbols”. In this address, Elder Holland spoke to the student body about a difficult topic that most speakers usually avoid. During this address he specifically follows the Mormon rhetoric tradition of focusing on the Holy Spirit as a source of support as well as a source of authority.

Elder Holland opens his address by humbly stating, “I always need the help and sustaining Spirit of the Lord to succeed at such times, but I especially feel the need for that spiritual help today.” What are the effects of such a statement? Here is an example of reference to deity to help him with the subject he is about to speak on. The rhetoric behind this is powerful because it is humble in the sense that he admits inadequacy and his reliance on God, but at the same time connects that if he is speaking with the help of God, he is speaking with God’s divine stamp of approval.

Near the end of his talk, Elder Holland again focuses on deity, saying, “That we may ‘come unto Christ’ for the fullness of soul and symbol and sacrament he offers us, I pray…”
So here is one source behind the power of his narrative. His entire purpose of the subject is to lead us to God and for his speech to have divine support. It speaks to the listener that his thoughts and feelings that are from God. The premise behind this is a powerful one. After listening to him speak, the question is, is this true? Are you drawing closer to God with his words? The answer is for the listener to decide. 

Can one be both clear and complex?

Rhetorical clarity and simplicity has been considered one of the most important characteristics to great Mormon public speaking. Paul, an Apostle who was known as having the roar of a Lion, seems to endorse a more simple form of speaking. In first Corinthians he seems to imply that speaking or preaching with complex rhetorical form diminishes God’s ability to work through an individual. There seems to be a “GET OUT OF THE WAY” theme in Paul’s teachings. Say a few simple words and the spirit will do the rest.

This sentiment continues in the Church today. We are taught to share briefly and from the heart like Elder Smith mentioned in his article. We are taught to be clear in our discussions, teachings, and preaching’s. I believe that this is right.

Can one be both clear and complex? As I have read through Elder Hollands and Elder Maxwells sermons, I feel like they do just that. These Apostles speak and write with a spiritual clarity but have obvious rhetorical complexities. As professor Burton mentions, it is those complexities that makes demands on the listener and engages with them. Elder Holland and Elder Maxwell have found a way to create complex rhetorical form to illustrate gospel principles clearly. Understand the principles with great clarity is the main purpose. The simplicity of the writing should be irrelevant if it is easy to understand.

Elder Holland’s insight on “Sacraments” is one that is not commonly discussed within the church. He describes Sacraments as more than the just the ordinance of the Lord’s Super. “The Sacrament is only one of many such moments when we formally take the hand of God and feel his divine power.” This doctrinal complexity is taught clearly and in a way one can understand. Elder Holland was able to dive into technical insights and symbolism that allowed the reader and listener to be engaged in a personal way. Being able to influence the listener in an engaging way shows its level of clarity and power.