Preaching About Sin in Contemporary Protestantism

Abstract

“[W]hile some traditional images of sin are retained in [sermons], the language frequently cushions the listener from their impact, employing a variety of softening rhetorical devices. … Yet, in many of the sermons, judgment against sin is in fact rendered. But it is not aimed at the listeners; indeed, its precise formulations and the nature of its targets may give us pause. This may suggest that, while care is taken not to appear unattractive to actual or potential members of the congregation (seeing them as ‘consumers’ to be courted), politeness does not necessarily extend into tolerance for those outside the reach of the church.”