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Post by Josh on May 18, 2012 17:38:53 GMT -8
"Preach the Gospel always, and if necessary, use words."
Perhaps you've heard the phrase, often attributed to Francis of Assisi, though the origin of this quote is unknown. It's become pretty popular in post-modern Christian circles.
There are definitely some aspects of this sentiment I appreciate, but others I think are misleading.
What do you think?
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Post by christopher on May 18, 2012 21:34:34 GMT -8
Was it not Francis of Assissi?
I've always taken it to be hyperbole.
Of course words are necessary.
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Post by robin on May 19, 2012 6:02:13 GMT -8
Ya, I wouldn't take it personally Josh.
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Post by Josh on May 19, 2012 9:27:32 GMT -8
Ya, I wouldn't take it personally Josh. You mean because I talk A LOT!? ;D |
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Post by christopher on May 19, 2012 21:36:15 GMT -8
Ha Ha..good one.
Up top Robin. ;D
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Post by Josh on May 20, 2012 18:31:30 GMT -8
According to those most in the know (Franciscans), Francis never uttered the quote.
I'd like to bring more out of this quote than simply, "of course not, we need balance" though.
Let's go a step further and ask:
* are deeds ever sufficient on their own to communicate the gospel?
* are words without deeds ever sufficient to communicate the gospel?
*is the word/ deed dichotomy itself problematic? If so, how?
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Post by stevekimes on May 23, 2012 17:08:31 GMT -8
I find it interesting that you are speaking of the dichotomy between words and deeds in the gospel by using the pseudo-Francis quote. What it really seems to be saying is that we tend to focus on words. The fact that it says "if necessary" begs the question that words ARE necessary, just not as often as deeds.
The fact is, the gospel is expressed by a life and a life is both words and deeds. Some lives emphasize words and some lives emphasize deeds, but to choose one over the other is mistaken.
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Post by christopher on May 29, 2012 18:18:32 GMT -8
Well said.
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Post by Josh on May 30, 2012 14:48:13 GMT -8
Some lives emphasize words and some lives emphasize deeds, but to choose one over the other is mistaken. lets take a step further back. is it even possible for anyone to convey the gospel thoroughly without words? |
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Post by christopher on May 31, 2012 7:43:31 GMT -8
Hieroglyphics?  |
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Post by stevekimes on Jun 4, 2012 6:06:19 GMT -8
You cannot communicate the gospel without words, although few words are necessary.
You cannot communicate the gospel without actions, although it only takes a single action of kindness.
You cannot communicate the gospel without listening, because communication happens from understanding another's perspective.
You cannot communicate the gospel without emotion, because love and passion are central components.
And you cannot communicate the gospel without reliance, because it is the Spirit that draws people to God, not us.
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Post by Josh on Jun 4, 2012 19:20:00 GMT -8
Thanks, Steve. 'Nuff said, I think  Much agreed. |
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Post by stevekimes on Jun 6, 2012 8:52:24 GMT -8
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Post by Josh on Jun 6, 2012 19:23:07 GMT -8
Or to bring it full circle. The article is what caused me to start the thread  ;D |
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Post by christopher on Jun 7, 2012 13:28:12 GMT -8
I suspected. Another good follow up topic might be "what is the gospel?". It may be that the differing opinions about that is what sparked this debate in the first place. |
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Post by Kirby on Jul 5, 2012 17:24:17 GMT -8
A friend linked to this on Facebook, I thought it added some depth to this conversation: thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/2012/07/03/how-do-you-evangelize-if-you-dont-ask-someone-to-pray-the-sinners-prayer/Some highlights: "The use of a “sinner’s prayer” can potentially come across as unhealthily formulaic." "•Share the gospel clearly . . . and call people to count the cost of following Christ. Make sure that the person you are talking with has a biblical understanding of the glorious reality that the just and gracious Creator of the universe has looked upon hopelessly sinful men and women in their rebellion and He has sent His Son, God in the flesh, to bear His wrath against sin on the cross and to show His power over sin in the resurrection so that everyone who repents and believes in Him will be reconciled to God forever. Make sure this gospel is clear. Tell them following Jesus will cost them their life . . . and tell them Jesus is worth it!" " Remember, our goal is not to count decisions; our goal is to make disciples." Frankly, I am more convinced of the efficacy of actions. |
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Much agreed.
;D
