Preaching Jesus: The New Directions for Homiletics in Hans Frei's Postliberal Theology

The post liberal cultural-linguistic theology of the Yale School has been one of the most important theological developments in the United States during the latter twentieth century. In this unique book which combines theological analysis and homiletical reflection Charles Campbell examines post liberal theology as it is embodied in the work of Hans Frei and develops the implications of this theological position for the theory and practice of preaching. Arguing that the trouble with homiletics today is fundamentally theological Campbell offers Freis theological position as a means for enriching the Christian pulpit and renewing the church. Charles Campbell has given us a helpful book on preaching and the best study available of Hans Freis theology. This is a book that anyone interested in Freis thought needs to read and it will lead many preachers who begin it with no interest in Frei to discover how much his way thinking about theology can help them in their task. --William C. Placher Wabash College This book maps out an important intersection between the theology of the so-called Yale School and the life of mainstream Protestant churches. Campbells book offers both an accessible guide to Hans Freis theology and an approach to narrative preaching that has promise in addressing the challenge of building Christian community in contemporary Protestantism. --Amy Plantinga Pauw Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary Finally! A book that moves us beyond storytelling in preaching. In Preaching Jesus Campbell takes the churchs story seriously and discloses the revolutionary potential of preaching in a post liberal age. This is the most honest and helpful appraisal of narrative preaching that I know of. We have been waiting for this book and Campbells exciting new proposals for many years. --Richard Lischer Duke Divinity School In a crowded supermarket of junk food and homiletic lite fare Charles Campbell has brought us a nourishing gift--the solid meat of profound theological reflection on the task of preaching. . . . A rare and welcome book. --Thomas G. Long Brandy Professor of Preaching at Candler School of Theology Charles L. Campbell is Peter Marshall Professor of Homiletics Columbia Theological Seminary.