Two New Davis Books Preaching On Church and Community Occasions

Davis '89. The University of Chicago Press, 1928.

This is one of a series of handbooks of ethics and religion published by the University of Chicago. The book fallows in general what is called the church year beginning with Advent.

The author states at length the purpose of his book in this way. "The following chapters contain brief general suggestions concerning the particular type of sermon called for by various occasions arising in the course of church and community life. Then follow specific suggestions of texts, subjects, and 'seed thoughts' which are not meant to be prepared 'sermon outlines' but only quickening ideas which will give a healthy start to the preacher's mind as he faces the practical problem of adapting his message to a particular occasion-in the passing year. It is the farthest possible remove from the writer's intention to furnish the least substitute for a preacher's independent and vigorous thinking. All minds, however, are eager, for a hint, a suggestion, a germinant idea, which will start one on the fruitful journey of intellectual exploration and open alluring vistas into new areas of reflection. It is the purpose of this book to provide such vitalizing projects."

This purpose is fairly well pursued but not quite attained. Books of this kind raise some serious questions. Is not the sermon the expression of the man behind it and will all the prodding in the world make it a better sermon? Must not the preacher depend upon the spiritual energy of his own soul for sermon making? The great temptation of the preacher is to lean and borrow rather than to labor and master and to keep his heart so full andhimself so rich that thespecial occasion will inspire him without helps. We have too many men in the ministry now who go on crutches. Our Sunday School quarterlies show what the church leaders weakly approve—crutches. The publishers who seem to advertise and thrive on selling "outlines" reveal a state of things that will not be bettered even by a handbook as good as this.