William J. Carl III confronts the problem of using theological language in preaching through a combination of serious theological reflection, rhetorical criticism, cultural analysis, and practical homiletical advice. He examines the approaches of Augustine, Luther, Calvin, Edwards, Barth, and Tillich to determine how these theologians brought life to the pulpit and what today's preachers can learn from them. Preaching Christian Doctrine organizes and describes the various approaches to doctrinal preaching developed throughout the history of the church and across denominational lines, making this volume a unique systematic homiletics text dealing with the problem of preaching Christian doctrine today.
Featuring detailed analysis of medieval homilies and sermons from St. Augustine, St. Gregory the Great, St. Bonaventure, John Colet, and Henry Suso, as well as original sermons available for the first time in English from Peter Damien and Stephen Langdon, this book is an ideal tool for pastors, deacons, retreat leaders, and homiletic students. It also serves to introduce readers into the theology and the history of the period.
Reclaiming and proclaiming the Christian heritage- Fewer people today are familiar with the vital theological ideas from the Christian tradition. Preaching about the continuing relevance and richness of this heritage is one of the pastor's most important responsibilities in this age of relativities. Robert Hughes and Robert Kysar show how this situation has come about and offer imaginative and empowering suggestions for proclaiming Christianity's profoundest truths to a new generation. "Preaching Doctrine is a delightfully clear and helpful re-introduction to the theological art of preaching. Hughes and Kysar bring a rare mix of theological, practical, and biblical wisdom to bear on the weekly task of proclamation. Their reflections provide the working pastor with an easily digested compendium of homiletical theory for the postmodern era. I will use this book." -Richard Lischer Duke Divinity School "Hughes and Kysar show us how, with imagination and imaginal language, to re-mint traditional biblical and theological coinage for new purchasing power in human consciousness. And they do it with clarity and integrity." -Don Wardlaw McCormick Theological Seminary Robert Kysar is Bandy Professor Emeritus of Preaching and New Testament at Candler School of Theology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, and an ordained ELCA pastor. He is a renowned Johannine scholar and author of John: The Maverick Gospel, A Beginner's Guide to the Books of the Bible, Called to Care: Biblical Images for Social Ministry, and The Fourth Evangelist and His Gospel. Robert G. Hughes is former President and St. John Professor Emeritus of Practical Theology at Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia.