Introduction
The Word Made Plain: The Power and Promise of Preaching is a sermon book written by James H. Harris, a highly respected African American preacher and scholar. The book explores the role of preaching in shaping and transforming people’s lives and the challenges and opportunities facing preachers today. Various methods of preacher education are also described, as are different techniques for connecting with people and conveying the message. This work has diverse sides that are worth discussing and contemplating.
Analysis
James Henry Harris is a professor and religious scholar at the School of Theology at Virginia Union University. In The Word Made Plain, Harris describes his decades of experience as a preacher and his vast knowledge of the Bible and Christian theology to offer insights into the nature of effective preaching. He argues that preaching is a powerful tool for conveying the truth of the Gospel and inspiring people to live better lives. It requires careful preparation, a deep understanding of the audience, and a willingness to engage with complex issues and difficult questions.
Harris describes black preaching as the core part of social justice movements and emphasizes its most prominent preachers, from Martin Luther King Jr. to Samuel Proctor. Throughout the book, he emphasizes the importance of authenticity, humility, and a deep commitment to the message of the Gospel (Harris, 2004).
Harris also explores the hermeneutical and aesthetic dimensions of preaching, especially at the intersection of sacred text and the broader culture. He shows how preaching can influence culture and society to make the world better. He emphasizes the importance of connecting with the audience and tailoring the message to their needs. Therefore, preachers must be prepared before they can do their work by teaching them rhetoric. Harris also shows specific features of black preaching, including verbal rhythm, specific gestures, narrative, and orientation on social problems.
I am amazed by the book’s approach to preaching in general. Every page has exponentially engaged me in learning more about the origins and details of the African American sermon. Fortunately, Harris himself briefly describes that “the book is for preachers, pastors, and other students of preaching in any tradition and provides them an opportunity to learn from the African American preaching tradition and its intersections with other traditions” (Harris, 2004, p.). Some people argue that the book makes no sense, as preaching is an international notion and does not differ from preaching in any other nation. However, this work is an outstanding example of an opposing argument.
Conclusion
To summarize, The Word Made Plain has been widely praised for its insights into the art and practice of preaching and its relevance to both pastors and laypeople. It offers a compelling vision of preaching as a transformative force for good in the world, and it is a reminder of the enduring power of the Gospel message. I highly recommend this book to everyone interested in how one can change the world for the better by words, no matter whether they are Christians. It is full of valuable cultural and historical evidence of various religious attitudes and teachings, showing how they should be implemented to change public opinions and promote social justice.
Reference
Harris, J. H. (2004). The Word Made Plain: The Power And Promise Of Preaching. Fortress Press.