Rhetorical Analysis Reflection and Thesis

                For me, the article that was most persuasive, or the one that impacted me the most both emotionally and logically, and regarding the credibility of the author, proved to be "American Justice and Divine Mercy: Thoughts on Osama Bin Laden's Death", by Patrick Clark.  Therefore, his is the article I have selected to be the very core and focus of my rhetorical analysis paper.

            After researching a bit about his background, I discovered The author, Patrick Clark, to be a professor of theology at the private Catholic University of Notre Dame, and a writer for the Catholic Moral Theology Blog.  Christian values of courage, martyrdom, and human fulfillment provide the basis for his works and teachings, and how living a moral Christian life reflects our worship of God.  Fantastic!  He's obtained a professional background in the ideals he presents in his piece about the ethics and the extent of mercy and justice in regards to celebrating the execution of Osama Bin Laden. 

            I find his ideas of death and mercy to be most persuasive, in that he talks about how, despite the horrible deeds that this corrupt leader performed on earth, he's still a man and spirit, and the extinction of a fellow being shouldn't be cause for rejoicing.  Sure, while he hurt many people, and probably deserved what came to him, we should consider Christ's sufferings and death for all of us, and extend more mercy and compassion for victims of justice.  I just feel like he's got a real strong, effective argument for his intended Christian audience.  It hits my heart strings and provokes the internal questioning of my morals.  In Patrick Clark's article about the variables of justice and divine mercy, and the obligation of the Catholic community to retain greater mercy and forgiveness in acts of justice, he utilizes unfailing rhetorical devices and powerful literary tools to present and concentrate his argument.

            I'll take the approach of appraising Clark's solid elements of writing fused into the piece, particularly the ethological and pathological strengths.  His ability to sufficiently demonstrate and elaborate on his beliefs and use allusions to Christ's execution also bolstered his claim.  It isn't all just points emphasizing the correctness of his stance on the issue, but the author presents opposing evidence to his article, which I believe increases his credibility.  However, there are a few setbacks and areas for improvement in this article, which I'll identify and discuss, like the more narrow appeal and the controversial defense against the choice to kill Bin Laden, supporting the side of a higher level of morality and doctrine; forgiving all because Christ suffered for all, and loving our enemies.