Preaching with the Church Fathers

In the ancient church, as now, preaching was the primary means of the propagation of the gospel, theological instruction, and moral formation of the laity. This course offers students an opportunity to delve more deeply into ancient Christian sources, beyond scripture, to inform modern practices of preaching. There are thus two major components to the course: first, a deep and broad reading of patristic homilies, along with appropriate secondary literature; and, second, an opportunity for students to reflect critically upon preaching in their own traditions in the light of the ancient tradition. The course is thus academically and historically rigorous, while also being aimed at forming ministers.