Preaching As Poetry

Have you ever suffered through a boring, fact-filled sermon? Our ways of speaking about the faith seem less compelling to a younger generation often unfamiliar with the Bible and tradition. Doctrinal language doesn’t cut it anymore. The answer is the rehabilitation of classical virtues. Beauty, goodness, and truth are values that are immediate and accessible to a new generation. In the digital age of plurality and diversity, it is hard to know how best to preach both to Christians across the theological spectrum and to non-Christians. Cultural pressure to give quick sound-bytes and photo presentations encourages preachers to resort to propositions. These tend to invite a yes or no response, as in mathematical equations. What is needed is greater attention to poetry and images, meant to communicate the beauty of the faith and the wonder and mystery of God in everyday life. It’s imperative to communicate the unity of the message of faith, the divine as truth, and justice and healing as expressions of God. Preaching as poetry (theopoetic preaching) allows for the bold imagery of scripture and the gentle invitation of art.