Wondrous Depth: Preaching the Old Testament by Ellen F. Davis

by Ellen F. Davis

In this book, based on her 2003 Beecher Lectures, Ellen Davis argues and demonstrates that the activities of biblical interpretation and preaching are essentially related as arts and, in fact, as the arts most fundamental to the life of the church. Because preaching is an art and not a method, the skills it requires are best learned by sympathy, not in abstraction. In these essays, therefore, as she discusses such important issues as the urgent and speaking presence of the Old Testament for preaching, preaching the psalms and welcoming them as poetry, and christological preaching of the Old Testament, she also presents a convocation of preaching voices from across centuries--Dietrich Bonhoeffer, John Donne, Lancelot Andrewes-- exploring how each dealt with problems and puzzles the text presents and learning from them the basic principles of biblical interpretation and communication of the gospel message found in both Testaments. She asks in the process, What can ordinary preachers learn from these masters of the art?

Davis includes some of her own sermons as contemporary examples.

Genres: Old Testament, Theology, Biblical Studies, Christianity

Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[Allison Wise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED THIS BOOK!!!!! Davis is a genius and so cool! I hope to continue to read her work!

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ellen Davis provides a healthy reminder about the importance of preaching the Old Testament. For example, she notes how throughout the centuries the Psalms were commonly preached on. Yet today a sermon on a psalm is rare in many traditions. This book would be improved by including more meat about exactly how to carry out some of her recommendations.

[Fraser Perrett · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eating the meat, spitting out the bones

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, so I admit that since I am a student of Dr. Davis', my opinion is hardly objective. Nevertheless, this is one of the best books I've read in a long time. This is not a how-to, a you-ought-to, or any other sort of manual for understanding and preaching the Old Testament - it is a glimpse into a perspective that delights in and cherishes the Old Testament as a gift. Davis' four sermons at the end of the book are exquisite pieces of craftsmanship, at once shimmering and piercing in their beauty and depth. This is a book not just for preachers, but for all who care about Christian life and witness.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Davis has many helpful insights into how to talk about or write about scripture. One example: "[A] good question is one that leads you and your hearers more deeply into the story, not away from it into pious abstractions..." (page 8). I was challenged, convicted, and encouraged by the sermons she included as illustrative examples. I am looking forward to reading more of her writing in the future.