Document Type
Honors Project
First Advisor
Dr. Michele Strano
Degree Award Date
Spring 2014
Keywords
content analysis, Jesus' messages, gospels, persuasive techniques, rhetorical persuasion, metaphors, Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, fear appeals, positive affect, two-source hypothesis
Disciplines
Biblical Studies | Christianity | Communication | Religion
Abstract
This study looked at Jesus' different persuasive techniques found in the Gospel of the New Testament. Prior research focused on sermons and the bible respectively. This research used both sermonic and biblical research to examine Jesus' message and the techniques he uses. The persuasion techniques studied included rhetorical persuasion, metaphors, Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, fear appeals, and positive affect. There is a significant difference between the gospels in the techniques of ethos, logos, fear reduced, and heuristic appeals. This study supports the two-source hypothesis as a solution to the synoptic puzzle. This study also provides advice to present day preachers and other evangelical speakers.
Recommended Citation
Canter, William, "The Persuasive Appeals of Jesus: A content analysis of Jesus' messages found in the gospels" (2014). Honors Projects. 36.
https://digitalcommons.bridgewater.edu/honors_projects/36