What does Athens have to do with Jerusalem?" That's the question asked by the early Church FatherTertullianin his rejection of rhetoric and non-Christian learning.But like many of the other early Christian leaders who rejected rhetoric,Tertullianhimself was well trained already as a rhetorician. On the one hand, this prior training helped Christians understand the dangers of rhetoric. On the other hand, it meant they also understood its potential.

1. According to Cicero andQuintillian, what was the ideal purpose of rhetoric/oratory?

2. From a Christian perspective, what aresome of the dangers of rhetoric?

3. Despite its dangers, why should Christians study and practice rhetoric according to Augustine?

4. Offer your own personal reflection on this topic. 5. End your essay with 1-2 questions about this week's material that you would like your classmates to help you understand better.

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1 Cicero and Quintilian believed that the ideal purpose of rhetoric or oratory was to persuade and i... View the full answer