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The Sermon without End: A Conversational Approach to Preaching
A New Model for Post-Apologetic Preaching in a Pluralistic World.
The relationship between preaching and the public sphere has long been
debated. Three different theological approaches tend to dominate the
discussion. In different ways, these approaches take into account the
movement from the modern mindset of the mid-to-late 20th century to the
emerging postmodern worldview.
In The Sermon without End , authors Allen & Allen thoughtfully
offer a fourth option, one that in their view has not received much
attention, but which offers a distinct and especially helpful
perspective. It is a new and dynamic conversational model, reaching
beyond the earlier work of Tillich and Tracy. In this homiletical
framework, conversation takes place in multiple directions between the
text or tradition and the world today. It is preaching in conversation,
not just toward but with voices from the public sphere.
The book provides a solid foundation for understanding this
post-apologetic approach, but it importantly goes on to offer practical,
real-pulpit guidance for implementation in a preaching ministry. It is a
book for both scholars and practicing preachers who wish to reach
people in meaningful and significant ways, and in ways that make sense
for today.
"This book deserves to be widely applauded. It provides a post-apologetic lens to illuminate the history of various modern homiletical discourses even as it envisions a postmodern one. ... I strongly recommend this book for homileticians, preachers, and lay people alike." - Duse Lee, Boston University School of Theology - Reviewed in Homiletic
The relationship between preaching and the public sphere has long been
debated. Three different theological approaches tend to dominate the
discussion. In different ways, these approaches take into account the
movement from the modern mindset of the mid-to-late 20th century to the
emerging postmodern worldview.
In The Sermon without End , authors Allen & Allen thoughtfully
offer a fourth option, one that in their view has not received much
attention, but which offers a distinct and especially helpful
perspective. It is a new and dynamic conversational model, reaching
beyond the earlier work of Tillich and Tracy. In this homiletical
framework, conversation takes place in multiple directions between the
text or tradition and the world today. It is preaching in conversation,
not just toward but with voices from the public sphere.
The book provides a solid foundation for understanding this
post-apologetic approach, but it importantly goes on to offer practical,
real-pulpit guidance for implementation in a preaching ministry. It is a
book for both scholars and practicing preachers who wish to reach
people in meaningful and significant ways, and in ways that make sense
for today.
"This book deserves to be widely applauded. It provides a post-apologetic lens to illuminate the history of various modern homiletical discourses even as it envisions a postmodern one. ... I strongly recommend this book for homileticians, preachers, and lay people alike." - Duse Lee, Boston University School of Theology - Reviewed in Homiletic
176 pages, Paperback
First published October 20, 2015
8 people want to read
About the author
Ronald J. Allen
69 books5 followersRev. Dr. Ronald J. Allen, is Professor of Preaching and Gospels and Letters at Christian Theological Seminary (CTU) in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA.
A native of Poplar Bluff Missouri and ordained in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Allen has taught at CTU since 1982. He received his PhD from Drew University (1977), MDiv from Union Theological Seminary in New York (1974), and the AB from Phillips University (1971). From 1977 to 1982 he and his spouse, the Reverend Linda McKiernan-Allen, were co-ministers of First Christian Church, Grand Island, Nebraska. Rev. McKiernan-Allen is currently Minister at West Street Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Tipton, Indiana.
In addition to over 100 articles and chapters in books, Allen is the author of more than thirty books.
A native of Poplar Bluff Missouri and ordained in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Allen has taught at CTU since 1982. He received his PhD from Drew University (1977), MDiv from Union Theological Seminary in New York (1974), and the AB from Phillips University (1971). From 1977 to 1982 he and his spouse, the Reverend Linda McKiernan-Allen, were co-ministers of First Christian Church, Grand Island, Nebraska. Rev. McKiernan-Allen is currently Minister at West Street Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Tipton, Indiana.
In addition to over 100 articles and chapters in books, Allen is the author of more than thirty books.
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October 31, 2019
The book deserves a loud, resounding "YES!" After reading "The End of Apologetics," I've been wondering what direction apologetics/preaching needs to move for a postmodern context, and this book was the perfect follow-up. I greatly appreciated the metaphors of various residences and how they relate to methods of apologetics. The authors also balanced the need to embrace a soft form of relativism without compromising the preacher's call to proclamation and witness. Highly, highly recommend this book for anyone looking to adapt preaching for the next generation.
Displaying 1 of 1 review