The Foolishness of Preaching : Proclaiming the Gospel Against the Wisdom of the World [Paperback]

Mr. Robert Farrar Capon (Author)

Book Description

Series: George Craig Stewart Lectures for 1996 | Publication Date: December 30, 1997

Preachers, are you preaching authentically and effectively to your congregation? Those who sit in the pews, are you truly expecting and receiving genuine Gospel preaching? In The Foolishness of Preaching Robert Farrar Capon challenges preachers to preach faithfully and effectively to their congregations and challenges congregants to expect and demand genuine preaching. "A passion for the Passion" is the necessary ingredient for authentic preaching, declares Capon. A preacher must believe passionately in the Good News of salvation in Christ. Preachers often experience stumbling blocks preventing them from authentic preaching. In Part One, "The Bedrock of Preaching," Capon discusses these stumbling blocks and ways to overcome them. In Part Two, "The Practice of Preaching," Capon offers practical advice and insight into the mechanics of effective preaching. The Foolishness of Preaching is not simply a nuts-and-bolts exercise in preaching, but a lively and challenging lesson that never loses touch with the center of preaching and belief-the astonishing grace of Jesus Christ.

Product Details

• Paperback: 164 pages
• Publisher: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co. (December 30, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0802843050
• ISBN-13: 978-0802843050
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #703,231 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Capon's "Buechneresque" style is refreshing., April 27, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The Foolishness of Preaching : Proclaiming the Gospel Against the Wisdom of the World (Paperback)

This is an uplifting book. Capon is particularly adept at unveiling our shallow "theologies of the Cross." This stuff is Calvin with a flair. Those who preach will appreciate his lively Buechner-esque style. I enjoy the way he anticipates various protests from his reader, then answers him/her with earthy honesty. For example, to those who insist on topical over lectionary preaching, he quips: "Like topical anesthetics (topical sermons) don't go deep!" The price of the book is worth the first part. The second part, on the mechanics of the sermon, is not as fun to read, but will be helpful for those just starting out in the pulpit. --Phil Jones, pastor Ayden Christian Church, Ayden NC.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Keep it simple, December 3, 2002

By 

Harrell Nation, Jr. (Jackson TN) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Foolishness of Preaching : Proclaiming the Gospel Against the Wisdom of the World (Paperback)

Capon urges those of us who preach to keep our focus on what is most important, namely Jesus Christ. It's not about keeping the rules nor about holding the right doctrine. It's about being held in love by the God who made us and wants to save us by grace through Christ. If you only read one book on preaching this year, it needs to be this one.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Practical Wisdom in the Foolishness of Preaching, March 14, 2011

By 

Bradley Bevers "the lucid blog" (Brenham, TX) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Foolishness of Preaching : Proclaiming the Gospel Against the Wisdom of the World (Paperback)

It is odd that men are called to preach sermons, isn't it? Fallible preaching by fallible men is a dangerous affair. As Christians we hold the Bible to be infallible, our final authority for faith and life. God has used men to preach the perfect Word of God, to put into words what Scripture means. The foolishness of preaching is almost comical when viewed that way.

Capon is a writer who I love to read, partly because I disagree with him so much. His theology is wacky, his methods are unconventional, and his wit is too sharp at times. On the other hand, he is challenging in many ways and he is an amazing writer. I always come away from reading Capon having learned much more than when I read an author I already know I agree with.

If you are in the position where you have to preach a sermon in a couple of months, you could do a lot worse than this book. In the second section Capon specifically addresses preachers and gives some great advice for those who want to learn the real work of preaching sermons. His timetable and schedule is realistic, spiritually challenging, and thoughtful.

As good as the second section is for preachers, the first section (The Bedrock of Preaching) is more applicable for all believers. Capon's first chapter is his take on gospel presentation. This is something that I have reflected on many times since the first read, and will probably do so for years. This first chapter alone is worth the price of the book and will certainly provoke a lot of thought.

One of the many quotes I really like from the book, "Topical sermons are like topical anesthetics: they don't go deep." (63)

Capon also offers some great writing advice on page 131. It's a small addition to the book, but some of the best advice on writing that I have read.

This is not Capon's best, but there is plenty to glean from this work whether you are a preacher or not. Get this book after you have read, and liked, some of his other works like The Romance of the Word.