Malcolm Cox

It seems pretty much given these days that when we preach and teach we should use images. There's been a lot of talk over the last few years about visual learners. We know the impact that an arresting image can have.  As a simple illustration, and if you're listening to the podcast you'll have to use your imagination, let me make a statement, followed by an image. You tell me which one has the most significant effect on you. First the statement: "the man was shocked"  Now I will put the image on screen: …….. So, which had more impact on you? What is the relevance here for our preaching and teaching? Well, yesterday as part of my Masters in Theological Studies I was reading this book, “The hidden power of electronic culture" by Shane Hipps. In it he makes the point that since the invention of photography the use of images in communication has come to dominate communication to the downgrading of the significance of written and spoken communication. Is this a good thing, a bad thing, or is it neutral?