Missed this book when it first came out but have just finished reading it. In a series of 14 relatively short chapters the authors engage with Anabaptist (read Mennonite) preaching. From their own christo-centric ('when two texts disagree Jesus is the referee') biblical, discipleship concerned, radical reformed tradition. In doing so their work is informed, if not at times derivative of the developments in homiletics (the practice of preaching) associated with the North American Academy of Homiletics. As a consequence such as Fred Craddock, Thomas Long, and Barbara Brown Taylor are cited among others, as issues of contemporary hermeutics and homiletics such as narrative, collaborative, and phenomelogiocal approaches to preaching are discussed. In addition to these streams of Mennonite practice, and current homiletical theory, the work also engages readily and explicitly with the post modern situation and here it is noticeable that Brian McLaren writes the foreword. This matrix of connections, tempered in the post 9/11 American context, (published in 2003) results in an interesting, informative, and in places practical aproach to preaching. Perhaps above all the value of this work is the strength placed upon the participative role of the congregation as the 'hermeutical community' whose participation goes beyond even attentive listening to active engagement in the Anabaptist tradition of 'Zeugnis' which refers to the practice of offering verbal response after the sermon. This approach ensures that preaching is given an important role in the worship of a congregation but that the preacher is not exalted as superior to the congregation among whom they serve. There is good stuff here for those willing to take on board and experiment with new ideas in relation to preaching in a post modern context while holding to a high view of Scripture, the work of the Spirit, the presence of Christ, and a practised doctrine of the priest hood of all believers.
Blythe
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