The Foolishness of Preaching: Proclaiming the Gospel Against the Wisdom of the World

by Robert Farrar Capon

Book Overview

What is the foundation of good preaching? How should preachers prepare themselves to faithfully and effectively address the church? And, just as importantly, what ought congregants, who come to church to hear a word from God, hope for from their preachers? These are often asked -- and often answered -- questions. But Robert Farrar Capon tackles them with a freshness and a frankness that make both the questions and the answers new.

In Part...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0802843050
• ISBN13: 9780802843050
• Release Date: December 1997
• Publisher: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company
• Length: 164 Pages
• Weight: 0.57 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 6.7" x 8.4"

Customer Reviews

Keep it simple

Capon urges those of us who preach to keep our focus on what is most important, namely Jesus Christ. It's not about keeping the rules nor about holding the right doctrine. It's about being held in love by the God who made us and wants to save us by grace through Christ. If you only read one book on preaching this year, it needs to be this one.

Capon's "Buechneresque" style is refreshing.

This is an uplifting book. Capon is particularly adept at unveiling our shallow "theologies of the Cross." This stuff is Calvin with a flair. Those who preach will appreciate his lively Buechner-esque style. I enjoy the way he anticipates various protests from his reader, then answers him/her with earthy honesty. For example, to those who insist on topical over lectionary preaching, he quips: "Like topical anesthetics (topical sermons) don't go deep!" The price of the book is worth the first part. The second part, on the mechanics of the sermon, is not as fun to read, but will be helpful for those just starting out in the pulpit. --Phil Jones, pastor Ayden Christian Church, Ayden NC.