RA # 9

The main argument for my first paper is that members of the Church should not be so hostile towards the theory of evolution because it does not go against the religion of Mormonism. I feel that after learning extensively about the topic throughout my BYU experience as a biology major that the theory of evolution is a very sound scientific theory that can coincide with our faith. Mainly the paper argues that learning about evolution is a good thing and can enhance our understanding of the planet. The target audience for my paper A is LDS adults who reject the theory of evolution. Generally there are too many people in the LDS Church who blatantly disregard the theory of evolution as anything credible and say that it is contradictory to our religion. I would say that I mainly appeal to logos in that I give many examples why the theory of evolution does not contradict anything within the teachings of the Gospel. I logically break it down for my audience and let them know how evolution is not a bad thing and is not against our religion. I think I also appeal to ethos by giving my audience quotes from the scriptures and from the First Presidency, which are both very important and credible sources from my audience. I feel that my argument was somewhat effective but it did have many flaws. First off, I unintentionally made them feel ignorant and somewhat unintelligent for not thinking the way I think. I could have gone about this in a much better way. Also, some of my paper was not contributing to my overall argument and could have confused my audience. I do feel however that I made some very solid points that would make my audience reconsider their position on evolution. I feel that I have some very credible and persuasive points that can be used in a better way to convince my audience of my argument.