Specifically, a synopsis of Aristotle's insights on how specific emotions function gives the preacher a starting point from which he might attempt to identify the emotions within his text. Following a careful study of the text's history and grammar, as well as an appropriate consideration of the distinct features of its genre, he might ask, "To which particular emotion do these verses appeal?"

An emotionally sensitive study of the passage might uncover multiple emotional elements. Robinson observed, "As there are dominant and supporting ideas in a passage so, especially in larger passages, major and minor moods occur." 23 He further asserted that the dominant mood of the text should mark the spirit of the sermon. 24 The preacher is ready to craft a message that is emotionally faithful to the text when he can answer the question "what is the primary emotional catalyst to which the biblical writer appeals in this passage?"

A few specific biblical examples might prove helpful at this point. When Judah begs Joseph to arrest himself and allow Benjamin to go free, he plays upon Joseph's pity (Gen. 44:18-34). The wise man Agur draws attention to the actions of four small creatures in order to arouse appreciation and emulation (Prov. 30:24-28). Jesus tells about a prodigal son and his boorish brother to move His pharisaical audience to feel shame over their reaction to His acceptance of sinners (Luke 15:11-32). He recounts a conversation between Abraham in paradise and a rich man in Hell in order to shake the confidence of His hearers who believed wealth signified divine favor (Luke 16:19-31). Paul cites at least three reasons why the believer can overcome temptation so as to instill confidence within the Corinthian congregation (1 Cor. 10:13). The list could go on.

Pathos in the Sermon

Regarding the Pathos of the Speaker

Classical rhetoricians disagreed on how the pathos of the speaker related to the emotional impact of his speech. Aristotle said, "[A]n emotional speaker always makes his audience feel with him, even when there is nothing in his arguments." 25

Although Aristotle may have overstated the point, the speaker's emotional state is an important part of the pathos of the preaching event. His perceived state can either facilitate or hinder the audience's experiencing the emotions that he hopes to evoke. If not careful, the preacher can subtly bend the emotions of the text and thereby misrepresent elements of the text in his sermon. 26

Preaching, to adapt Phillips Brooks' time-honored definition, is the filtration of truth through personality. How the preacher feels about his text will influence how he preaches it and how the people react emotionally and otherwise. As the preacher begins to feel the spirit of the text, he is at a pivotal point in his sermon preparation. While recovering the mood of the text, he is establishing an emotional framework within which he will recreate the text for his audience and preach his sermon.