Good News with a Strange Sound: A Critical Commentary on a Sermon Event. Issue 1 (March 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Boyd, Jason C.
• Is Part Of: Practical theology. Volume 8:Issue 1(2015)
• Page Start: 41
• Page End: 51
• Publication Date: 2015-03
• Subjects: preaching, -- homiletical plot, -- Eugene Lowry, -- transformation, -- spirit-filled imagination; Theology, Practical -- Periodicals; Pastoral care -- Periodicals; Pastoral theology -- Periodicals; Pastoral counseling -- Periodicals; 253.05
• DOI: 10.1179/1756074815Y.0000000003
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1756-073X

Abstract

Abstract : This is the text of a sermon on Luke 3:7-18 followed by a critical commentary which grapples with the dissonance that appears to exist between judgement and grace. The headings in the text of the sermon follow Eugene Lowry's "homiletical plot". My critique describes the process of preparation, my response, and the informal feedback by a few hearers following the preaching event. I evaluate the hermeneutical choices made in interpreting the text, myself, the hearers, and in choosing the form of the sermon. I choose a first person voice in order to establish empathy without avoiding the full force of the text. I draw upon empirical evidence from psychology to explore "relevance" motivating listening. I demonstrate the subtleties of the hermeneutical process, engaging with the horizons of scripture and contemporary life. I show how this biblical text which bristles with judgement exposes the need for transformation by God's grace.