The Six Deadly Sins of Preaching: Becoming Responsible for the Faith We Proclaim

by Robert Stephen Reid, Lucy Lind Hogan

Don't give in to the vices of preaching... what, you didn't know there is such a thing? Learn from these stories of failure and become a responsible preacher.

130 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 1, 2012

Reviews

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Admittedly, when I see a book with a canny title, I have an expectation of lightweight content; however, this book offers an in-depth challenge--an unblinking spotlight on the preacher's soul, so to speak--that requires a personal inventory for people engaged in the practice of homiletics. Drawing from classical rhetorical concepts such as ethos, pathos, and logos, the authors explore the ethics of "pulpit practice," and how each of these concepts can be used responsibly to lead to effective speaking, or be contaminated and result in what they call "the six deadly sins of preaching." The book is not a difficult book to read, but it is an unflinching confrontation of common issues that snag most preachers on some level. I think this is an important read for anyone who preaches.

[Barry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written from an academic perspective, The Six Deadly Sins of Preaching is filled with tips on how to and how not to preach. Packed with examples and illustrations, it is easy to understand the authors contentions and follow their trail of thought. With a sympathetic eye toward preachers, the authors help explain not only mistakes that preachers make but why they make those mistakes. Though reading this book might fill preachers with paranoia (Am I making this mistake? Am I committing this 'sin'?) it is well worth reading as a caution against falling into bad preaching habits.

[Jimmy Reagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m amazed this book is so good. I imagine I would disagree with the theology of these two writers on many points. Still, it holds we who preach to account and is incredibly convicting.

It will be enough to entice you for me to list these six sins:

The Pretender (The Problem on In-Authenticity)

The Egoist (The Problem of Self-Absorption)

The Manipulator (The Problem of Greediness)

The Panderer (The Problem of Trendiness)

The Demagogue (The Problem of Exploitation)

The Despot (The Problem of Self-Righteousness)

The sad part was that I felt traces of myself in almost every one of these! I suspect churchgoers would love for all of we pastors to read this volume!

[Clint Boyd · Rating 3 out of 5]

One can't read this and walk away with the same view of one's own preaching. Though the book spends more time focusing on the problems rather than the remedies, it is very helpful and well researched. The additional sources cited in it are also worth finding.