Historical Criticism, Imagination, and Preaching
Walter Brueggemann is one of the premier biblical scholars of our day. He is fully versed and immersed in the historical critical method, a method most of us are taught in seminary. Yes, I was taught the historical critical method in seminary. But, while it provides a solid foundation for our work as preachers and teachers, it also has its drawbacks and dangers. Brueggeman suggests that ultimately we as preachers must get beyond historical criticism if we're going to be effective preachers.
I invite the readers to listen to this brief video from WorkingPreacher.org, consider it, and offer thoughts. I find it provocative! Thanks to my friend Glen Miles, Sr. Minister of Country Club Christian Church in Kansas City, MO for suggesting this video and the site.
I invite the readers to listen to this brief video from WorkingPreacher.org, consider it, and offer thoughts. I find it provocative! Thanks to my friend Glen Miles, Sr. Minister of Country Club Christian Church in Kansas City, MO for suggesting this video and the site.
Comments
Is the point here that the bible is loaded with fiction, but we should ignore it by blind faith?
I thought Doug’s post and blog were pretty interesting, coming from a pastor.
Judging by the history I can count on, the church doesn't seem to have much faith in itself. If it did, would Calvin have murdered someone over minor details?
Sorry, I've been biting my tounge over that guy's actions.
Not too late to change if we have and keep faith in the important things.
David Mc
I think what Brueggemann is getting at is that if we get bogged down in historical critical matters in our preaching we will end up missing the point of the sermon -- which is proclamation.
The question that preachers face is -- how much of that research do we need or should we display in our sermons? Do we need to say that a majority of scholars think this or that? Now there is definitely a place for this conversation -- in Bible studies, etc., where we have time to examine and explore theories -- but is the sermon the place for that.
Steve is right the historical-critical method is the starting point of the discussion, not the end point.
To give you another example, I'm reading Robert Wright's very interesting The Evolution of God. He makes the point that monotheism developed only gradually, and that at the earliest points in the history of Israel the people and the conception of Yahweh was polytheistic. But, in my preaching do I need to dwell on that, or should I lift up the implications of a text, even if the original authors had polytheistic identities, and not focus or even bring up those backgrounds?
A casual observer might argue that Christians took the idea of Yahweh and split him again. I know I'm being simplistic. I'm truly a novice at serious theology.
Thus the suggestion for bible study. Touché away. Kidding.
Um, you weren’t working on a Calvin sermon..? 500yrs seems short to me. David Mc
One other note: A bookstore in Stockton, CA, had this message below their store name: “The Bible Bookstore—Read some great fiction this summer!” Somehow, the irony was never noticed by the store and it was up for several weeks.
I'm an R&D guy for industry. I see you all are doing the same. Thanks.
David Mc
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/07/magazine/07wwln-essay-t.html?_r=1
The difference between the Bible and the Koran is that the Koran was produced quickly while the Bible emerged over many centuries!