Speech and Rhetorical Studies Commons^™

A Comparison Of The Rhetorical Modes Of Persuasion Used By Churches In The Proselytization Of Peoples Of Lower Economic Status In South Mississippi, Blake W. Houston

Honors Theses

This study provides insight into the persuasion techniques used by churches in the Southern Baptist Convention, as well as the reactions of people of lower economic status to the persuasion techniques. Furthermore, this study provides a unique look at rhetorical persuasion strategies used by a religious organization. Results of this study indicate that church members relied on its own credibility, logical and emotional appeals to need, and appeals to humor to influence, it turned out, a person of lower economic status’ acceptance of persuasion via a peripheral route and being positively affected by the church’s credibility. The findings also suggest …