Preaching Parables to Postmoderns

by Brian C. Stiller

Publisher:

Fortress Press

, 2005

Overview

Stiller argues that Jesus' parables, through their narrative, personal, and oral dimensions and reversal of expectations, provide unique access to Christianity for those whose experience and hopes we label "postmodern." Aligning contemporary scholarship with today's cultural assumptions, Stiller offers preachers a working knowledge of postmodern sensibilities, an understanding of the parable genre, an analysis of ten parables, and a sample of how one might preach them effectively.

Contents

Top Highlights

“What has changed and to what degree has that change affected the way people may think and respond to the Scriptures and thus preaching?” (Page 1)

“Ten Thousand Talents. The amount is staggering.² One talent equaled six thousand denarii, and a single denarius equaled roughly a day’s income. In today’s economy—for an average wage earner—the debt of 10,000 talents is roughly equivalent to $9 billion.” (Pages 46–47)

“Alasdair MacIntyre agrees: ‘Truth has been displaced as a value and replaced by psychological effectiveness’” (Page 8)

“Those listening to Jesus were struck by the power in his stories for he taught them ‘as one having authority, and not as the scribes’ (Mark 1:22). The messenger, unique as God-in-humanity, employs a storytelling technique familiar to his people but with a remarkable twist. Jesus goes beyond merely reinforcing biblical maxims and instead introduces revolutionary ideas about God. So, regardless how much the hearer knows about Hebrew writing or theology, he gave little opportunity for people to leave without a response.” (Page 13)

“Parables always speak to our vision of God and his means of salvation” (Page 18)

Product Details

• Title: Preaching Parables to Postmoderns
• Author: Brian C. Stiller
• Publisher: Fortress Press
• Print Publication Date: 2005
• Logos Release Date: 2010
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subjects: Postmodernism › Religious aspects--Christianity; Jesus Christ › Parables--Homiletical use
• Resource ID: LLS:PARAPOMO
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2022-02-12T08:40:49Z

About Brian C. Stiller

Brian C. Stiller is global ambassador for the World Evangelical Alliance. He previously served as president of Tyndale University College and Seminary in Toronto and was the founder and editor of Faith Today magazine. He is the author of eleven books, including Evangelicals Around the World and An Insider's Guide to Praying for the World.