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Flood the Earth

David A. Bednar is a powerful speaker, and as an Apostle of Jesus Christ his message carries even more significance in the Latter-day Saint community.
When Elder Bednar spoke at BYU Education Week in 2014, he had a unique message to share. He proposed that the advances of technology we've experienced in the recent years hasn't come from coincidence, but has come forth at a certain time on the earth with the express purpose of helping to prepare the world for the second coming of Jesus Christ. Then he invited all in the audience to begin using technology to flood the earth with the news of Christ, in positive and uplifting ways.

Elder Bednar was both convincing and inspiring. His message left the reader feeling encouraged and excited to begin filling the earth with the news of Christ.
Elder Bednar appealed to the ethos of the audience to prompt us to action.
He began by praying for the Holy Ghost to be with us as he shared his message. It was a reminder of his position as an Apostle, and the authority he has to invite the presence of the Holy Ghost. Immediately, the weight of his calling and therefore his message becomes clear. Throughout the talk he continued to use scriptures and quotes from various prophets to re-emphasize his point, and remind us that what he shares doesn't just come from him, it comes from God. One particular quote was very powerful, given by David O. McKay,

"Discoveries latent with such potent power, either for the blessing or the destruction of human beings, as to make man’s responsibility in controlling them the most gigantic ever placed in human hands. … This age is fraught with limitless perils, as well as untold possibilities.”

Speaking of the great responsibility each of us have as members of the Church, Elder Bednar uses the words of President McKay, a prophet of the Lord, to awaken our sense of duty. Duty to the Church, and duty to God. Which prompts us with a desire to act.
Scriptures also provided ethos, such as Ephesians 4:29,

“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers”

Again, Elder Bednar re-emphasizes his original point and ultimate invitation: prepare the way of the Lord, and flood the earth with positive/uplifting messages via social media. The scripture clearly supports the invitation presented by Elder Bednar by commanding us to "minister grace" and communicate that which is "edifying". 

Ultimately, Elder Bednar's use of ethos is a powerful motivator in his devotional message, and thoroughly convincing because of the additional support it adds to his invitation. 


Comments

  1. UnknownNovember 9, 2017 at 3:04 PM

    This was a really good analysis! I liked and agree with all that you said. Elder Bednar, as well as the other apostles, are rhetorical geniuses. Also, your blog looks pro.

    ReplyDelete

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