Rate this book

Why Johnny Can't Preach: The Media Have Shaped The Messengers (2009)

by T. David Gordon(Favorite Author)

3.89 of 5 Votes: 4

ISBN

1596381167 (ISBN13: 9781596381162)

languge

English

genre

Nonfiction

publisher

P & R Publishing

review 1: T. David Gordon claims that in the last 25 years, only 15% of the sermons he has heard had a discernible point, and only 10% of THOSE had the point demonstrated from Scripture. If that is true, modern evangelical preaching is in a sad state of affairs.This is more like a booklet than a book, so the main points can be hit quickly. What ought we look for in a good sermon? Robert L. Dabney listed 7 criteria, which Gordon echoes--textual fidelity--clear topic--evangelical tone (aka is it gospel-based, Christ-centered)--instructiveness--movement (drive toward the point)--point/clear effect on listener--order/organizationI won't pretend to say how I fare from week to week. I pray I at least hit a majority, particularly 1 and 3.The main reason Gordon believes that modern past... moreors can't preach is because they have low literary sensibilities. They have not learned to read texts (and here he means in general, not specifically the Bible) closely. Nor does he have any need to write well-crafted prose. The dearth of such activity in the life of the pastor leads to poor sermons, he argues. I cannot say I disagree.What are four kinds of sermons that the modern preacher often falls into?--moralism ("be good; do good")--how-to (perhaps a subset of moralism, focusing on 10 steps to a better life, or the like)--introspection (constantly beating up the congregation w/o extending the gospel)--social gospel (if you're a liberal) or culture war (if conservative)Thankfully, seminary and the preachers I've heard in the past have given me better models than those he hopes we eschew.Concerning what to do about the problem, TDG suggests three things. One, an annual review. This sounds basic, but is too often left undone. Pastors long for feedback. Difficult feedback is far preferable to no feedback at all. Both formal and informal feedback is desired. Second, cultivate the sensibility of reading texts closely. He suggests future divinity students ought to take an undergraduate degree in English literature. Not a bad idea. Third, cultivate the sensibility of composed communication. Write letters if you have to! Or book reviews.
review 2: I could not put this one down. There is something to be said about a man's last words before he dies. Though he did not die, Gordon's brush with death in his fight against cancer, set him on a course to say some things about preaching and preachers that he had been holding on to for years. Some may think his criticisms were harsh, I personally thought they were accurate and needed. Don't get the idea that this book is his last "ax to grind." Rather, I think his medical condition gave him a sense of urgency in addressing some concerns about those who address others. The book was well written and unlike too many sermons it was succinct and full of helpful information and needed application. Gordon does a great job of not only assessing many of the problems in preaching and with preachers, but also offers clear ways to remedy the current dilemma. With insights on our culture, reasons why we read texts like we do, and helpful ways of evaluating our preaching, this is a must read for every preacher. less

Download links for: Why Johnny Can't Preach: The Media Have Shaped the Messengers

Advertising