Theology for Preaching: Authority, Truth, and Knowledge of God in a Postmodern Ethos [Paperback]

Ronald Allen (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1997

The heart of the postmodern mind-set is an awareness of the relativity of all human thought and action. In Theology for Preaching, three authors collaborate to discuss the implications for proclamation when the culture behaves as if all human thought and practices are relative. Tips for sermon composition and theme are proposed. Sample sermons are supplied to demonstrate awareness of the cultural shifts that make preaching a worthwhile challenge in a postmodern ethos.

Editorial Reviews

Review

We live in a "postmodern" era, a time when old certainties about how people think and relate to one another have been called into question. Theology For Preaching ably addresses the subject of preaching the Christian gospel in such a time of change and uncertainty. At the heart of the postmodern dilemma is the question of "truth". All truths are not relative (contrary to the postmodern assertion that all truths are relative and that therefore yours is as good as mine which is as valid as that other fellow's). Ronald Allen, Barbara Blaisdell, and Scott Black Johnston wrestle directly with the problem of postmodernism and preaching. Employing the style of conversation and dialogue, they examine the beliefs and perceptions of postmodern thought in both its technical and folk varieties. What emerges is a powerful theology for preaching about authority, truth, and the knowledge of God in a postmodern world. -- Midwest Book Review

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Abingdon Press (April 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0687017173
• ISBN-13: 978-0687017171
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #431,455 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Signs of the times..., January 14, 2004

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FrKurt Messick "FrKurt Messick" (Bloomington, IN USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Theology for Preaching: Authority, Truth, and Knowledge of God in a Postmodern Ethos (Paperback)

According to Charles Allen (no known relation to Ron Allen, the author), there is no consistent and single definition to the term 'postmodern'. However, most descriptions of postmodern involve a recognition of the relativity of all human acting and thinking, and a certain degree of discomfort and suspicion with terms such as truth, objectivity, absolute, etc. Postmodernity comes in various 'shapes and sizes', without a single school or framework required. Whereas 'modernity' referred general to the Enlightenment project of empirical research and rational critical analysis, postmodernity has many nuances that may or may not incorporate modernity's tools.

For preachers, the authors state, key aspects of postmodernity to incorporate and appreciate include community, conversation, diversity and collegiality. This is reflected throughout the book, where the contributions of the three authors are often distinctly recognised, rather than blended together 'anonymously' as many collaborative works choose to do. One author will put forth an argument or issue, and the others will respond. There are sample sermons with commentary included at various points in the text.

The authors first trace a brief history, analysing why postmodernism is important for a preaching task. Examining constructivism and deconstructivism, they show how the divergent strands of postmodern thought lead to radically different emphases and conclusions. However, beyond the academic postmodernism of the likes of Derrida, Foucault, or Hauerwas, Allen looks to a folk postmodernism that is more important for preachers -- this folk postmodernism has more suspicion than faith in the methods of modernity to solve life's problems (science and progress are not always the answer, for instance) and begins to renew a respect for the natural world. Both Blaisdell and Johnston respond to Allen; Blaisdell looks toward putting the church in conversation with these folk postmodern strands, and Johnston addresses Ron Allen almost point-by-point, concluding that it is the task of the postmodern preacher to raise a voice above the confusion.

But what should this word be?

The authors look at the issue of truth, one of the 'casualties' of postmodernity -- truth isn't what it used to be! If this is true, how then can one preach with authority? What can one say about God? Truth has different components that are important from the preaching standpoint (honesty, openness, humility) but does not, perhaps cannot, be the precise one-to-one correspondence of ideas to facts that premoderns or even moderns would like to maintain. There is extensive discussion of Derrida here, a great proponent of deconstruction and perhaps more than anyone in the twentieth century the prophet of destruction of faulty notions of absolute truth. The authors look at the importance of language and how it is used, both from scripture and in current contexts, to make a credible message in the sermons being preached. They look at the nature of individuality and community -- premoderns were largely communal, whereas moderns became individualists. There is a tension that develops in postmodern times between these two poles, like to be unresolved in short order.

This is a very interesting work, deserving of attention by any who presume to preach and teach in the current context, for postmodernity is now where we all live. It is important to know the context of one's times. This book is a very good survey of the issues that surround this context.

Ronald Allen is professor of New Testament and preaching at my seminary; Barbara Blaisdell is pastor of a Disciples church in California, and Scott Johnston is a professor of preaching at another seminary. Together they form an interesting conversation team, addressing things with vitality and accessibility. The sermons included are interesting and lively. This is must-read text for any preacher.