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.
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| Photo from: sites.lib.byu.edu |
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.
Its hard to deny and run from the things Elder Holland teaches here when he claims the help of the Holy Ghost. The authority he already speaks with is only enhanced with the spirit he speaks with. That is something unique I feel to LDS literature. I believe others can speak by the Holy Ghost even if they are not members of our faith, but we know that our leaders speak when moved upon by the spirit. Thus bringing the power and blessing of God himself in what things they are striving to help us understand.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I know he receives help from the holy ghost I am completely sure that he could be just as inspiring without its help. Perhaps this is why his talks are so powerful, he has a natural talent for speaking but yet he still gives all the credit to the spirit.
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