Ways of Framing An Idea

There are several categories of thought which are helpful when developing a message or fleshing out a point. “Necessary But Not Sufficient” is one very useful one.  You can go to the above link back and see a fuller development of this rhetorical technique.

Another one is . . . .

It is not less than that.

or

It is that, and it is not less than that.

or

It is that — it is not less than that — but it is more than that.

 

When making a point about a particular point, truth, principle, or concept many will say something like this . . . .

“Faith is more than believing what God says.  It includes action.  Read Hebrews 11 and see the words “by faith” followed by action.”

“The Bible does more than lay out the story of redemption, it also lays out useful principles for daily living.”

 

There may be a different and perhaps a better way . . . .

• to capture the thinking of the listeners
• to avoid the negative flavor of these kinds of statements
• to reinforce the balance
• to leave the truth of both sides in tact
• to disagree with those who have lost the balance
• to keep those who might struggle with your point on board
• to bring in another vantage of seeing the point or truth

 

“Faith is more than believing what God says.  It is not less than that, and it is more than that.”

“The Bible does lay out the story of redemption.  It is not less than that, and it offers more than that!”

or

“Faith is more than believing what God says.   It is not less than that, and it is more than that.”

“The Bible does lay out the story of redemption.  It is not less than that, and it offers more than that the Bible student!”

or

“Faith is more than believing what God says.  It is not less than that, but it is more than that.”

“The Bible does lay out the story of redemption.  It is not less than that, but it offers more than that to the reader!”

(Do you see how even going from “and” to “but” increases the “negative flavor.”  Nevertheless, saying, “It is not less than that” helps with the balance, tone, and truth of the statement.)

or

“Faith is more than believing what God says.  It is that!  But it is more than that.”

“The Bible does lay out the story of redemption.  It does that!  But it offers more than that.”

 

Thinking (and encouraging your listeners to think) with this vantage helps round out a truth, as well as distinguish what is generally believed from the point you are making.