In this work, eminent theologian Stanley Hauerwas shows how the sermon is the best context for doing good theology. He writes, 'I am convinced that the recovery of the sermon as the context for theological reflection is crucial if Christians are to negotiate the world in which we find ourselves.' The book includes seventeen sermons preached by Hauerwas, which he considers his best theological work and hopes exemplify the work of theology. The sermons are divided into four sections: seeing, saying, living, and events. Titles range from Believing Is Seeing and Was It Fitting for Jesus to Die on a Cross? to Only Fear Can Drive Out Fear and To Be Made Human.Each sermon includes where and when it was preached and references relevant Scripture passages.From the Introduction'One of the most satisfying contexts for doing the work of theology is in sermons. That should not be surprising because throughout Christian history, at least until recently, the sermon was one of the primary places in which the work of theology was done. For the work of theology is first and foremost to exposit Scripture. That modern theology has become less and less scriptural, that modern theology has often tried to appear as a form of philosophy, is but an indication of its alienation from its proper work. I am, therefore, making these sermons available not only because I think they are my best theological work, but because I hope they exemplify the work of theology.'Stanley Hauerwas has established himself as one of today's most exciting theologians. Here he shows how the sermon is the best context for doing good theology. According to Hauerwas, recovering the sermon as the context for theological reflection is crucial if Christians are to negotiate the world in which they find themselves.A Cross-Shattered Church includes seventeen sermons, divided into four sections: Seeing, Saying, Living, and Events. Sermon titles include:
Believing Is Seeing
The Glory of the Trinity
The End of Sacrifice
Was It Fitting for Jesus to Die on a Cross?
Only Fear Can Drive Out Fear
The Appeal of Judas
Slavery as Salvation
To Be Made Human
Water Is Thicker than Blood
Professors and students of theology, pastors, and all who are interested in what Hauerwas has to say about theology and preaching will value this work.
