Thinking Theologically: The Preacher as Theologian

by Ronald J. Allen

Publisher:

Fortress Press

, 2008

Overview

Preachers are not simple representatives of a particular theological world. Each preacher manifests characteristics that arise from that person's particular approach to life, theology, and preaching. Rather than teaching how one can preach theology or deal with particular theological issues from the pulpit, Ronald J. Allen shows how preaching is informed by the preacher's own theology.

A valuable introduction to preaching, Thinking Theologically does not advocate for, nor is it written from, a particular theological stance. Rather it provides historical background and explores major theological perspectives so that preachers can grasp their own understanding of authority, the Bible, the relationship of God to the sermon, and the purpose of the sermon.

Key Features

• Serves as great introduction to preaching
• Provides historical background and major theological perspectives
• Ideal for students and pastors

Contents

• Theology and Preaching
• Theological Movements in the Enlightenment Tradition
• Theological Movements that React against the Enlightenment
• Theological Movements Arising from Contextual Concerns

Top Highlights

“First is the rise of the scientific method, which refers to the idea that people can accept as true and trustworthy only those things that have been confirmed by empirical observation, that is, by the five senses. Second, a companion movement in philosophy, called rationalism, sought ‘logically unchallenged first truths.’² Thinkers would reason from such foundational principles, or first principles, to their implications.” (Page 18)

“Pentecostal preachers are usually evangelical in orientation and emphasize the presence and work of the Holy Spirit” (Page 15)

“The first is conversion of sinners while the second is building up the body of Christ for witness. In some evangelical circles, the service of worship climaxes with an invitation for unconverted people to make a confession of faith. In many evangelical bodies, however, the overtly evangelistic quality of the sermon in the service has diminished, with the typical sermon now aiming to help the congregation grow in faith.” (Page 46)

“Sermons tend either to be structured in ways that persuasively move toward an invitation to repent, to commit to the big idea of the sermon, or to the action the sermon seeks. Though issue-oriented or topical preaching occurs, expository preaching of biblical texts dominates this tradition.” (Page 14)

“The word theology comes from two Greek words that mean ‘thinking about’ (Gk.: logos) and ‘God’ (theos). In the general sense each Christian has a theology because each Christian thinks about God.” (Page 4)

Praise for the Print Edition

We've needed this book for a long time. Ron Allen provides preachers with a wise tour through the current wilderness of theological options, highlighting the best and most useful qualities of each theological movement, and raising questions that will spur further insight and reflection. This is an immensely helpful book that should be read by every student of preaching today.

—John S. McClure, The Divinity School, Vanderbilt University

Thinking Theologically helps us not simply to locate ourselves amidst the multiple theological traditions flowing from our pulpits, but connects us to important conversation partners to explore further the various voices of theology vying within our very thinking that we might dare the proclaim a Word for creation.

—Dale P. Andrew, Boston University School of Theology

Product Details

• Title: Thinking Theologically: The Preacher as Theologian
• Author: Ronald J. Allen
• Publisher: Fortress Press
• Publication Date: 2007
• Pages: 104

About Ronald J. Allen

Ronald J. Allen is the Nettie Sweeney and Hugh Th. Miller Professor of Preaching and New Testament at Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis. One of the most widely published authors in homiletics, he has written or coauthored over 30 books, including Wholly Scripture: Preaching Themes from the Bible and Thinking Theologically: The Preacher as Theologian.

Sample Pages from Thinking Theologically: The Preacher as Theologian