Ambrose of Milan's Method of Mystagogical Preaching [Paperback]

Craig Alan Satterlee (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 2002

Mystagogy, or sustained reflection on baptism and the Eucharist, is the method of postbaptismal catechesis used in the R.C.I.A. In Ambrose of Milan’s Method of Mystagogical Preaching, Craig Satterlee provides a method of mystagogical preaching for today’s Church by looking at the sermons of Ambrose of Milan. Confronted by a culture that increasingly cannot be counted on to reinforce the Christian faith or participate in the formation of Christians, the Church today questions the nature of the connection between Word and Sacrament, and liturgy and mission. In addressing these same questions, the catechumenate of the early Church took seriously that they lived in a culture at odds with the faith, particularly the period of mystagogy which is characterized by sermons that probe the rites of initiation. Their biblical importance for Christian life, continues to hold great potential for the Church today. However, it remains largely undefined.

By asking such questions as, what did Ambrose do and how did Ambrose do it? Satterlee explains that the best way to learn to preach mystagogically is by using a fourth-century mystagogue as our guide. In chapter one Satterlee establishes the need for mystagogy. Chapter two lays out the historical context of Ambrose and his church. Chapters three through eight are a series of six historical studies on Ambrose and his church that correspond to the components of a homiletic method. Chapter nine proposes a method of mystagogy for the contemporary church based on Ambrose’s preaching. A brief biography of Saint Ambrose, history of the church of Milan, and a look at patristic exegesis are also included.

Modeled after William Harmless’s Augustine and the Catechumenate, Ambrose of Milan’s Method of Mystagogical Preaching serves as a companion volume to that work.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"In a time when good preaching is desperately needed, this book is most opportune.” -- Michael S. Driscoll, Coordinator of Liturgical Studies, University of Notre Dame

"Liturgists, catechists, and especially preachers will find this work stimulating, challenging, and highly useful in their work." -- Maxwell E. Johnson, Professor of Liturgy, University of Notre Dame

"This is a clear and vivid account of St. Ambrose's methods in initiating new Christians." -- James F. White, Professor Emeritus of Liturgical Studies, University of Notre Dame

Product Details

• Paperback: 416 pages
• Publisher: Liturgical Press; 1st Ed. edition (February 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0814661858
• ISBN-13: 978-0814661857
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #886,098 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Craig A. Satterlee is professor at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago, where he holds the Axel Jacob and Gerda Maria (Swanson) Carlson Chair in Homiletics. He is also Dean of the ACTS Doctor of Ministry in Preaching Program and adjunct professor of theology at the University of Notre Dame.

Professor Satterlee received the B.A. from the University of Michigan, M.Div. and S.T.M. (pastoral care) from Trinity Lutheran Seminary, Columbus, Ohio, and M.A. and Ph.D. in homiletics and liturgical studies from the University of Notre Dame.

Professor Satterlee is the author of seven books, serves as editor of "Preaching Helps" for Currents in Theology and Mission, and frequently contributes to both scholarly and ecclesiastical journals. Dr. Satterlee's scholarly interests include the relationship of preaching and areas of congregational life and mission, including liturgy, spirituality, stewardship, mission, and leadership. He also studies patristic preaching, most notably that of Ambrose of Milan, and the worship of the early church.

Professor Satterlee is described as belonging "to the relatively small group of working homileticians whose work can justifiably be said to have changed the agenda of the discipline." His books are described as "superb examples of practical theology, remaining fully theological while engaging on-the-ground realities in the life of the church."

Dr. Satterlee is a member of the North American Academy of Liturgy, Societas Liturgica, and the Academy of Homiletics.

Ordained in 1987, Pastor Satterlee served congregations in Upstate New York and Michigan before being called to LSTC. He regularly leads continuing education events throughout the church. Firmly grounded in parish ministry, Pastor Satterlee currently serves as consulting pastor of St. Andrew Lutheran Church, Glenwood, IL, and also preaches and presides in congregations of the ELCA.

As a person who is legally blind, Dr. Satterlee has a passion for ministry with persons with disabilities and a unique perspective on the Christian faith, church, and world.