Pia Desidera by Philip Jacob Spener
Eric Hoffer’s research on mass movements argues that all movements need three groups of people: men of words, fanatics, and practical men of action. Despite Hoffer’s cynicism about movements and those who lead them, I find his distinctions helpful.
Historically, movements depended on all three groups–particularly men and women of words and on those of practical action. Hoffer argues that men of words do the preliminary work of clarifying reality, of discrediting prevailing beliefs and loyalties, and of creating receptivity for a new faith. These individuals are, first and foremost, talkers and writers…whose excellence in the use of spoken or written word readies the ground for mass social movements. Martyrs or true believers then help hatch the movement, while practical men and women consolidate the movements. As Hoffer views these men of words, he argues that they come in diverse types. They can be priests, scribes, prophets, writers, artists, professors, students and intellectuals in general.
As we think of the Christian movement, Paul the Apostle’s ability to articulate the message of the gospel within a Greek and Roman culture helped secure the advance of Christianity. Wherever we look in the history of the church, men and women of words moved the church forward.
Practically, for our purposes, we need first to be men and women of THE WORD. Paul tells Timothy to be a skilled workman, handling accurately the word of truth. Our first priority is to know God’s word and to know it deeply. Are you systematically studying God’s word? If not, start today.
Second, we need to be familiar with the church’s best men and women of words. Do you read those who can defend and clarify God’s truth within contemporary cultures? Make it a goal to read the cutting edge thinkers of today.
Third, is God tugging your heart to be a person of words? Allow him to develop your excellence in the spoken and written word. Get the schooling, if you need it, to take the next step. Help us develop the materials we need to help movements grow. Take a chance and step out in faith. Why not start your own blog today?