The Homiletical Plot, Expanded Edition: The Sermon as Narrative Art Form

by Eugene L. Lowry

Publisher:

Westminster John Knox

, 2018

Overview

Now in reissue with a new foreword by Fred B. Craddock and afterword by the author, Eugene L. Lowry, The Homiletical Plot, Expanded Edition follows in the same solid tradition of its predecessor. Upon its release, The Homiletical Plot quickly became a pivotal work on the art of preaching. Instead of comments on a biblical passage, Lowry suggested that the sermon follow a narrative form that moves from beginning to end, as with the plot of a story. This expanded edition continues to be an excellent teaching resource and learning tool for all preachers from introductory students to seasoned clergy.

Contents

Top Highlights

“The first is the typical movie plot, which begins with a felt discrepancy and moves to an unknown resolution.” (Page 22)

“Instead of description or illustration, what is needed in this second stage of sermon presentation is depth of analysis” (Page 44)

“The movement from problem to solution of the discrepancy shapes the form of the narrative. Likewise, it is the homiletical bind being moved from problem to solution, from itch to scratch, that shapes the form of the sermon, not the biblical, historical, doctrinal, or ethical content.” (Page 24)

“My conclusion is that a sermon ought not be a collection of parts constructed by a preacher, regardless of how we have been taught to think it so. The sermon has its roots in the truth of the gospel which indeed has a life of its own.” (Page 10)

“In any case, the purpose of the opening stage of the presented sermon is to trigger ambiguity in the listeners’ minds” (Page 35)

Product Details

• Title: The Homiletical Plot, Expanded Edition: The Sermon as Narrative Art Form
• Author: Eugene L. Lowry
• Publisher: Westminster John Knox
• Print Publication Date: 2018
• Logos Release Date: 2020
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subject: Textbooks
• ISBNs: 9780664222642, 0664222641
• Resource ID: LLS:WS_401007C034CF469BBDC4658373FD51CB
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2024-10-09T22:47:31Z

About Eugene L. Lowry

William K. McElvaney Professor Emeritus of Preaching, Saint Paul School of Theology.