TJ Walker explains why speakers shouldn't claim God is on their side. It's effective and emotional, but it shuts down debate instead of persuading people. In a democracy, that's a mistake.
And as someone who studies communication for a living, I'll tell you exactly what this is. It's incredibly effective messaging. It's simple, emotional, tribal, powerful. God is on our side is the ultimate slogan. But it's also the most dangerous because the moment you claim divine authority, you've essentially shut down debate. How do you argue with someone who says, not only am I right, but God agrees with me? That's not persuasion, that's a conversation ender, and in a democracy, conversation enders are a problem. Ultimatize.
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