The Foolishness of Preaching : Proclaiming the Gospel Against the Wisdom of the World

Rating:
Summary: Keep it simple
Review: Capon urges those of us who preach to keep our focus on what is most important, namely Jesus Christ. It's not about keeping the rules nor about holding the right doctrine. It's about being held in love by the God who made us and wants to save us by grace through Christ. If you only read one book on preaching this year, it needs to be this one.

Rating:
Summary: Helpful
Review: This is a pretty good help in preparing sermons and the techniques that go into it. The author encourages the reader to use his own style when preaching. I was put off by the author's advice to have a smoke and drink a beer when the sermon preparation is complete. If you can get past that, this will be a good addition to your library.

Rating:
Summary: Capon's "Buechneresque" style is refreshing.
Review: This is an uplifting book. Capon is particularly adept at unveiling our shallow "theologies of the Cross." This stuff is Calvin with a flair. Those who preach will appreciate his lively Buechner-esque style. I enjoy the way he anticipates various protests from his reader, then answers him/her with earthy honesty. For example, to those who insist on topical over lectionary preaching, he quips: "Like topical anesthetics (topical sermons) don't go deep!" The price of the book is worth the first part. The second part, on the mechanics of the sermon, is not as fun to read, but will be helpful for those just starting out in the pulpit. --Phil Jones, pastor Ayden Christian Church, Ayden NC.