Download PDF: Potts, Preaching in the Subjunctive Abstract This essay proposes a novel understanding of the Christian sermon through an engagement with contemporary theories of ritual and with traditional interpretations of the sacraments. After proposing that the sermon is an
Download PDF: Voelz, Reconsidering the Image of Preacher as Teacher Abstract Contemporary homiletic discourse posits a number of images that represent beliefs about preaching identity. Among those images, the relationship between preaching and teaching is one of varied use through
Download PDF: Liu, Music and the Generosity of God Abstract 4’33” by John Cage tacitly combines theory and practice to promote wide attention to music. Although theologically dismissed, the piece also provides an acoustical opening to recognize that all sounds
Download PDF: Hearlson, The Promise of Pierre Bourdieu Abstract The relationship between the field of homiletics and the practice of preaching is complex. This paper explores how Pierre Bourdieu’s social theories of practice might shine light upon the work of homileticians
At 11:08pm on September 21, 2011, the state of Georgia executed Troy Anthony Davis for the killing of off-duty officer Mark Allen MacPhail. Much has been written and said about the case against Troy Davis. His advocates are dismayed that
Download PDF: Martin and Whitmore, Reflections on Intersections Welcome to the third issue of Practical Matters. In this issue, we highlight Ethnography and Theology. In the “doing” of theology, a turn to ethnography is gaining momentum. Many scholars of religion who did
Download PDF: Thomas and Wright, Appreciative Interest in the Religious Lives of Young People In their study of youth and vocation, Dori Grinenko Baker and Joyce Ann Mercer notice a disturbing tendency among adults to view adolescence as an ever-expanding transitional
Download PDF: Goto and Levad, Engaging Imagination The inaugural issue of Practical Matters on the theme of “Imagination” began with a seemingly simple statement in our call for submissions: “Without imagination, human beings could neither come to know their world as
Download PDF: Campbell and Mote, Introducing Practical Matters Welcome to Practical Matters. In this journal you will find digital scholarship that utilizes the capacities of the internet to ask and provoke new questions about religious practices and practical theology. You will