Constructing a Theological Argument

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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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Step 3 Gather, analyze & provide scriptural support for each reason.

Supporting Evidence 2b

Supporting Evidence 2a

Supporting Evidence 1a

Supporting Evidence 1b

Supporting Evidence 3a

Supporting Evidence 3b

Step 2: Select critical reasons that substantiate the premise.

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The premise is a statement that describes the scriptural position you will argue.

Make it succinct and unambiguous.

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The reasons are the key as to why your audience

should accept your premise.

Present reasons in a logical sequence, according to Scripture. Each reason builds on and connects with the other.

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The evidence provides support for the reasons.

Let the Word speak for itself, using various means of biblical analyses to extract evidence.

People hold perspectives about the premise that differ from your beliefs. What are these perspectives?

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How do you respond to another’s perspectives? Seek to understand the person’s point of view. Support your response with Scripture.

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Power point was based on information from the below sources. 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

Presenter Media. (2011). Stick men. Retrieved April 22, 2011, from

http://www.presentermedia.com/index.php?target=closeup&id=4576&categoryid=120&maincat=animsp

Yaghijian, L. Writing theology well: A rhetoric for theological and biblical writers.

New York, NY: Continuum.

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