Abstract

The purpose of the dissertation was to analyze the rhetorical theory of Chaim Perelman, determining its implications as a meaningful rhetorical methodology for Christian preaching. For this, the introductory chapter provided a clear statement of purpose, summarized the background of the study, and indicated the methodological process to be used to accomplish the research. ;Chapter two explored Perelman's biography and his philosophy on rhetoric as a background of his rhetoric. This chapter focused on how his life and philosophy influenced his rhetoric. ;Chapter three provided an analysis of Perelman's "argunentation" rhetoric. For this survey, his theory, "audience," starting points of argument," "presence and communion," "techniques of argumentation" were analyzed. ;Chapter four evaluated Perelman's rhetoric. For this, the origin of Perelman's rhetoric, characteristics of his rhetoric, and weakness of his rhetoric as well as its contributions were discussed. ;Chapter five provided some implications for the art of preaching from Perelman's rhetoric. Some methodologies or skills for effective argumentation in preaching were suggested from his rhetorical model. ;Chapter six offered an evaluation of the contribution of this work and gave some suggestions of areas in which further research was needed