In (Partial) Defence of the Monologue Sermon

This paper argues for the retention of the monologue sermon as an effective means of congregational formation, against a background of increasing criticism. Firstly, it allows for sustained focus on a topic in ways that discussion-based alternatives do not. Secondly, it appropriately values expertis...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inInternational journal of practical theology Vol. 27; no. 2; pp. 234 - 246
Main Author MacBride, Tim
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Berlin De Gruyter 08.11.2023
Walter de Gruyter GmbH
Subjects
Culture
Dialogpredigt
dialogue sermon
Faith
God
homiletics
Homiletik
Monologische Predigt
Monologue sermon
preaching
Sermons
Theology
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Summary:This paper argues for the retention of the monologue sermon as an effective means of congregational formation, against a background of increasing criticism. Firstly, it allows for sustained focus on a topic in ways that discussion-based alternatives do not. Secondly, it appropriately values expertise and godly authority in a culture which has subjectivised truth and devalued expertise. Thirdly, it can allow congregations to hear voices they otherwise would not. Fourthly, it models the hermeneutical process for the congregation. Finally, as a sober address on behalf of God, it has permission to issue confronting challenges.
ISSN:1430-6921
1612-9768
DOI:10.1515/ijpt-2022-0056