My vision

Rhetorical Response

<>An analytical exploration of literature and worldview

Christians profit from knowing theology, from possessing the ability to think and speak apologetically, from awareness of current events, and from analyzing cultural trends. We also profit from studying and evaluating historically great literature. This last discipline may seem abstract, even impractical, but I believe it is a worthy and necessary pursuit for the Christian who aims to be part of the effort to transform our civilization. Why?

1. The ability to extract worldview information from literature is an indispensable exercise in critical thinking.

2. Understanding the historical progression of worldview as chronicled by literature enables us to best understand the times in which we live.

3. Studying the conclusions of great literary minds helps us develop knowledge and discernment.

4. Analyzing the techniques that make classic literature great is a step toward reclaiming the art of rhetoric for Christ’s glory.

5. If we can recognize and critique the many worldviews found in great literature, we can do the same in real-life situations.

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I revel in the beauty of a well-written story. I delight in analyzing the meanings behind man’s greatest literary achievements. I relish opportunities to show the superiority of the Christian worldview in relation to all others. I trust and pray that God will use this blog to further all these activities. In view of my passions and their practical applications, I am committed to writing about two primary things: the techniques that make literature great and the worldviews presented in said great literature.

I view Rhetorical Response as a tool. I have outlined its function above, and now I’d like to explain the three-fold purpose for which it was designed. First, this blog is an effort to follow the steps to achieving wisdom outlined in Proverbs 2:1-5. ‘My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.’ Rhetorical Response is a written cry for wisdom on my part.

Second, if I, in God’s power, can offer any encouragement or knowledge to others through the material I post on this blog, I will consider my time well spent. ‘I am myself convinced, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, complete in knowledge and competent to instruct one another’ (Romans 15:14). Rhetorical Response is a source of inspiration and information for others.

Finally, this blog is representative of my commitment to strengthening the existing network of like-minded Christians so we can ‘encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today’ (Heb 3:13a). Rhetorical Response is a link in the relational chain of Christian rebelutionaries.

I want to be a world-changer. I want to inspire others to be the same. I want to form relationships with other visionaries and influencers. May Rhetorical Response, through literature and worldview study, urge us all to move, in the words of CS Lewis, ‘further up and further in.’