Executive Summary

Religious communication often navigates a paradox: audiences hunger for both novelty and continuity. The biblical imagery of the two trees in Eden—the Tree of Life and the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil—provides fertile ground for exploring how communicators approach this tension. Herbert W. Armstrong frequently drew upon these trees to highlight doctrinal truths, using them as a lens through which to explain humanity’s spiritual condition. Yet, some audiences dismissed his message as repetitive, while others resisted re-framing of these truths in fresh language.

This paper contrasts two rhetorical strategies:

Seeking new layers of meaning in familiar language—deepening interpretation within an established vocabulary. Reframing familiar truth in new languages—restating enduring insights through novel metaphors, idioms, or conceptual frameworks.

By analyzing the strengths and limitations of each, this paper identifies the audiences for whom each approach is most effective and provides guidance for communicators seeking to balance continuity with freshness.

Introduction: The Problem of Reception

Religious teachers often encounter resistance not because their messages are false or irrelevant, but because of how they are presented. Audiences who believe they already understand a subject may “tune out” when familiar words are used. Conversely, audiences suspicious of novelty may reject a true message expressed in new language, perceiving it as foreign or even threatening. Armstrong’s frequent use of the two trees illustrates this dilemma: repetition reassured some while alienating others.

Strategy One: New Layers of Meaning in Familiar Language

Method

Using established scriptural imagery (e.g., Eden’s two trees) as an interpretive base. Adding depth through historical context, doctrinal connections, or spiritual applications. Emphasizing continuity with tradition and anchoring teaching in biblical authority.

Strengths

Provides stability and reassurance for long-term adherents. Reinforces doctrinal identity by circling back to core symbols. Enables progressive deepening of insight without destabilizing the audience.

Weaknesses

Risk of perceived redundancy: hearers believe “I’ve heard this all before.” May hinder outreach to new or skeptical audiences who require fresh framing. Can unintentionally foster intellectual stagnation if not carefully expanded.

Ideal Audience

Long-time members seeking deeper grounding. Those wary of theological innovation but open to deepened exposition. Communities anchored by shared imagery and tradition.

Strategy Two: Familiar Truth in New Languages

Method

Retelling old truths through new metaphors, idioms, or modern parallels. Borrowing conceptual frameworks from contemporary culture, science, or philosophy. Recasting familiar doctrine to engage fresh intellectual or emotional registers.

Strengths

Engages younger or skeptical audiences by connecting to their worldview. Keeps ancient truths from becoming stale by revitalizing expression. Encourages creative thinking and broader application of doctrine.

Weaknesses

Risk of alienation among traditionalists who distrust innovation. New metaphors may introduce unintended theological ambiguities. Potential perception of compromise or dilution of the original message.

Ideal Audience

Newcomers and seekers unfamiliar with traditional imagery. Culturally diverse audiences with varied symbolic vocabularies. Communities that value intellectual exploration and innovation.

Case Study: The Two Trees in Armstrong’s Preaching

Armstrong’s repeated exposition of the two trees illustrates both strategies. He often mined the same imagery for new insights, embodying the first strategy. Yet his attempts to reframe the trees in modern terms—government, science, education—sometimes provoked resistance. For those steeped in his teaching, the trees became a shorthand for his worldview, but for outsiders or restless insiders, the symbol risked exhaustion.

Comparative Evaluation

Factor

Familiar Language, New Depth

New Language, Familiar Truth

Doctrinal Stability

High

Moderate

Risk of Rejection

From boredom

From suspicion

Audience Type

Established believers

Newcomers, seekers

Strength

Reinforces identity

Expands reach

Weakness

Risk of staleness

Risk of dilution

Recommendations

Audience Mapping: Teachers should assess whether their audience primarily values continuity or accessibility. Hybrid Strategies: Blending approaches—anchoring in familiar imagery while introducing occasional new metaphors—can bridge divides. Progressive Introduction: Begin with familiar language to build trust, then gradually layer in new expressions for growth. Institutional Awareness: Organizations must balance preservation of identity with the need to engage changing cultural contexts.

Conclusion

The rhetorical strategies of seeking new depth in familiar language and expressing familiar truth in new languages are not mutually exclusive. Rather, they form complementary tools. The two trees of Eden exemplify how repeated symbols can both ground a tradition and frustrate an audience. Effective communicators discern when to deepen existing language and when to refresh it—matching message, method, and audience.