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{"id":3919,"date":"2005-07-01T22:01:00","date_gmt":"2005-07-01T22:01:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/owenstrachan.wordpress.com\/2005\/07\/01\/what-constitutes-good-writing\/"},"modified":"2005-07-01T22:01:00","modified_gmt":"2005-07-01T22:01:00","slug":"what-constitutes-good-writing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.patheos.com\/blogs\/thoughtlife\/2005\/07\/what-constitutes-good-writing\/","title":{"rendered":"What Constitutes Good Writing?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<\/head>

I\u2019m sure I deserve such comments at times, but I do have to wonder: is there a right way to write? Forget the idea that certain forums call for certain styles, which I can grudgingly accept. In general, is there one superior writing style? Are short, descriptive sentences best? Is a more stream-of-consciousness style preferrable? Or are all styles equal?<\/p>\n

$\"\"$ <\/a>We could transpose this question to a specific type of writing to bring this question home. In preaching, you have several men that preach effectively, some think beautifully, and all with varied styles. Charles Spurgeon writes with prose so purple it threatens to turn navy blue, and yet his material stirs the heart as few other pastors can. John Piper writes with short, punchy sentences with a tone that resembles a sermonic style. Again, he touches hearts, and in my estimation, writes well. Mark Dever writes with the ghost of Puritans past guiding his pen, using a mere, penetrating style favoring sententious (\u201cpithy\u201d or \u201cterse\u201d) phrases (often questions): \u201cJesus died with the weight of sin resting on his shoulders. I wonder\u2013who bears your burdens?\u201d<\/p>\n

All are powerful, touching, moving. All in my opinion are good writers. So the question goes out, unanswered by me: what constitutes good writing? Chew on it.<\/p>\n<\/body><\/html>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"