Preaching to Strangers: Evangelism in Today's World [Paperback]

William H. Willimon (Author), Stanley Hauerwas (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 1992

These twelve sermons by renowned author and pastor William Willimon, with responses by theologian Stanley Hauerwas, demonstrate the fruitfulness and difficulty of the interaction between theologians and practicing pastors. In this book, the authors suggest an intriguing way to think about theological work within the church. In this intriguing book, the authors suggest a new way to think about theological work within the church.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

William H. Willimon is the Presiding Bishop of the Birmingham Area of the North Alabama Conference of the United Methodist Church. Recognized as one of the most effective preachers in the English-speaking world, he is the author of several books, including United Methodist Beliefs: A Brief Introduction and The Early Preaching of Karl Barth, both published by WJK.

Stanley Hauerwas is Gilbert T. Rowe Professor of Theological Ethics at Duke Divinity School in Durham, North Carolina.

Product Details

• Paperback: 152 pages
• Publisher: Westminster John Knox Press; 1st edition (September 1, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0664251056
• ISBN-13: 978-0664251055
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #711,682 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Theologian and a Pastor Join Forces!, June 13, 2000

By 

Victor McCracken (Atlanta, GA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Preaching to Strangers: Evangelism in Today's World (Paperback)

This book offers an ingenious example of how pastors and theologians may benefit from mutual dialogue. The book consists of twelve sermons Willimon preached at Duke Divinity School chapel over the course of a semester. Following each sermon is a reply/critique by the theologian Hauerwas. The book functions well on several different levels. First, Willimon's sermons (as always!) are compelling gospel testimony, as much a delight to read as they are to hear. Second, Hauerwas' responses to Willimon are frequently compelling and demonstrate how the craft of preaching is informed by theological concern. One can almost see the stretching of minds that is occurring not only among the readers of the book but with Hauerwas and Willimon as they dialogue about the manner in which preachers "preach to strangers." Not all of the sermons are as compelling as the best in the book, but as a whole the series stands up very well.

This book will be most helpful to preachers interested in exploring practical models for preaching and the role theological reflection plays in shaping Sunday proclamation.