Homiletics

THL320

This subject introduces students to the principles and practice of homiletics. It explores issues of biblical interpretation in the homiletic context, the theology of proclamation and the spiritual and vocational orientation of the preacher. This subject also provides students with analytical tools for evaluating homilies. This subject is not available to students who have completed THL469 Homiletics.

Duration

One Semester

Availability

Offered every year

Subject Points

8

Core/Elective

Elective

Delivery Mode

On site at St Francis College Milton; or Externally – log in to listen and participate or view the lecture via video later.

Prerequisites

THL115 and THL120 (Recommended)

The Practice of Preaching, Rev. ed. / Paul Scott Wilson, 2007. [ISBN: 9780687645275]

Steeped in the Holy: Preaching as Spiritual Practice / Raewynne J. Whiteley, 2008. [ISBN: 9781561013012]

The year of publication and ISBN given corresponds to the copy placed in Closed Reserve at the Roscoe Library; there may be other valid ISBNs that differ because of a different publisher or format. Please contact your lecturer or the Roscoe Library staff to confirm text before purchasing. If purchasing, we recommend that you use booko.com.au.

Prescribed Texts

Essay 1: History and purpose of preaching (25%)
Essay 2: Comparison of three historic sermons (25%)
Sermon: With rationale and reflection (50%)

Assessments

Content

This subject will cover the following topics:

  • The Christian preaching tradition

  • The Interpretation of Scripture

  • Preaching the OT

  • Preaching the NT

  • Theology of proclamation

  • On being a preacher: pastoral and ethical considerations in contemporary cultural and technological contexts

  • Tradition and history (including the Reformed Tradition)

  • Sermon types, including the online environment

  • The critique of homilies

  • Preparation and delivery (orality)

  • Resources for preaching: Lectionary, commentaries, online resources

  • The place of the homily in worship and the homily as worship

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:

  • be able to identify the main elements of the Christian homiletic/preaching tradition;

  • be able to prepare and deliver a biblically and theologically literate homily/sermon for a prescribed setting;

  • be able to demonstrate a capacity for individual and collective critique of homilies/sermons in terms of their theological clarity, overall presentation and contextual suitability;

  • be able to demonstrate an understanding of both pastoral responsibilities and public accountabilities associated with the homiletic/preaching task in contemporary cultural and technological contexts;

  • be able to articulate and to analyse critically the role of the community in the homiletical interpretation of Scripture; and

  • be able to demonstrate self-guided learning, including advanced research, writing and communication skills.