418 - God's Word and Our Words

God's Word and Our Words
By Ronald E. Sleeth
Atlanta, John Knox, 1986. 139 pp. $7.95.

This is a posthumous volume by the late Professor of Preaching at Iliff School of Theology with an introduction by Thomas G. Long of Princeton Seminary. It intends to be a brief, yet comprehensive basic homiletics text, and as such, it covers a variety of subjects: the historical background of preaching in the synagogue, classical rhetoric, and the gospel itself, the theology of preaching; linguistic and philosophical theories of language; sermon construction; movement, logic, and form; the character, integrity, and goodwill of the preacher; sermon delivery; introductions and conclusions; communication; the language of the sermon; lectionary preaching; and the relation of the church to the world. All are bound together under the rubric of "incarnational preaching."

The book's quality is uneven. There are some valuable insights into sermon delivery and communication but, theologically, the work is eclectic, espousing a high theology of preaching, which remains unsupported by the approach to the Scriptures and worship. For theology and history, Sleeth is largely dependent on the work of others. Two chapter titles do not fit their content (7 and 11). Nevertheless, the work can serve as a brief survey of basic homiletics.

Elizabeth Achtemeier, Union Theological Seminary, Richmond, Va.