On Dynamic

Princeton (Puritan) theologian Jonathan Edwards - "widely acknowledged to be America's most important and original philosophical theologian" - purportedly read his sermons word for word in a high-pitched, monotone voice. That probably wouldn't pack the Ford Center today...just a guess.

Similarly, I was reminded of the way in which Jesus himself used to speak to the crowds in parables (to fulfill prophesy). Mark Balthrop's series on the parables in Matthew brought this to my attention...consider an evangelistic opportunity so large the crowds filled a hillside, forcing the speaker into a boat. Mt. 13:2,3:

Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat in it, while all the people stood on the shore. Then he told them many things in parables...

Dynamic and easy to understand? Seems to me Jesus sat down and delivered confusion to his audience...Reading on, it becomes obvious that even the disciples were confused - maybe even a bit annoyed!

The disciples came to him and asked, "Why do you speak to the people in parables?"

Fascinating chapter with so many implications.

Finally, I find it interesting the emphasis Americans place on extemporaneous speaking - evidenced not only in sermons but also in prayer. It is implied in many circles, that prayers which are read are not heard by God...hmmmm....there is a lot here which could be said!