The Six Deadly Sins of Preaching

This ethics of preaching text identifies vices of irresponsible preaching practices. Preachers who fail to develop deep respect for their listeners or drift into a lack faithfulness to the Gospel can end up becoming:  ·        The Pretender (The Problem of In-authenticity) ·        The Egoist (The Problem of Self-absorption) ·        The Manipulator (The Problem of Greediness) ·        The Panderer (The Problem of  Trendiness) ·        The Crusader (The Problem of Exploitation) ·        The Demagogue (The Problem of  Self-righteousness)   Just as the church historically derived its Seven Holy Virtues (chastity, temperance, charity, diligence, patience, kindness, & humility) by naming Seven Deadly Sins (lust, gluttony, greed, sloth, wrath, envy, & pride), Reid and Hogan call preachers to turn away from pulpit vices and strive to realize the homiletic virtues of becoming:  ·        Authentic (The Call to Be Genuine) ·        Altruistic (The Call to Be Selfless) ·        Careful (The Call to Exercise Self-Control) ·        Passionate (The Call to Be Honest to God) ·        Courteous (The Call to Woo a Reasoned Reception) ·        A 'Namer' of God (The Call to Reveal an Ineffable God)   The Six Deadly Sins of Preaching explores the difference between the irresponsible practices, unfortunate missteps, and mere unthinking mistakes in preaching. A chapter is devoted to Preaching Missteps (problems that do not rise to the level of being irresponsible) that includes:   ·        Short Changing the Process ·        Waving a Red Flag ·        Thou Shall Not Bore the Congregation ·        Through the Looking Glass Darkly ·        The Mumbler ·        TMI-Too Much Information ·        Your Cup Do Runneth Over ·        Where's This Sermon Going, Anyway?