Charles L. Campbell – författare

In this examination of the ethical significance of preaching, Charles Campbell provides both fresh insights into the relationship between preaching and ethics and a challenging moral vision for the contemporary church. Moving beyond a narrow focus on moral decision-making or social-issues sermons, Campbell argues that a particular ethic--nonviolent resistance--is inherent in the practice of preaching and shapes the moral life of the church. In the face of the powers, the fundamental ethical task of preaching involves building up the church as a community of resistance. Employing three dimensions of character ethics--vision, practices, and virtues--Campbell demonstrates the concrete ways in which preachers may undertake this task.

Across national and cultural borders, the archetype of the fool has played a significant role in how communities interpret and ascribe identity. As Charles Campbell and Johan Cilliers remind us, the Christian preacher, tasked with delivering a paradoxical gospel, is a fool. In a delicate exploration with enlightening results, Preaching Fools uses a diverse representation of fools and foolish actions to show how modern preaching is inseparable from the folly of the cross. Campbell and Cilliers walk the fine line between the ugliness and beauty of the gospel and challenge readers toward a deeper engagement with its unsettling message.

Through its shocking incongruities and transgressive forms, the grotesque offers an intriguing lens for exploring the scandal of the gospel and the challenges of Christian preaching. Drawing on diverse sources—from Swedish crime fiction and contemporary poetry to James Cone, Harriet Beecher Stowe, and Pussy Riot—this book will examine the theological, homiletical, and social implications of a grotesque gospel for contemporary preachers. The book focuses on three aspects of preaching and the grotesque: (1) the ways in which a grotesque gospel unsettles the preacher and challenges the "false patterns" that often shape Christian preaching; (2) the importance and challenges of resisting the weaponized grotesque, which dehumanizes people and furthers the power of dominant groups; (3) the incarnate Word as the carnivalesque, grotesque body of Jesus, which calls the church to become the porous and inclusive body of Christ. The Scandal of the Gospel is the written adaptation of Yale Divinity School's Beecher Lectures, given by Charles Campbell in 2018. The last chapter, "Preaching and the Environmental Grotesque," is a new addition.

Teaching preaching, like preaching itself, is a noble endeavor. After nearly four decades of teaching, Richard Lischer has sent legions of preachers across the world to preach gospel. This volume pays tribute to his faith-filled life of preaching and teaching. The contributors, some of whom were taught by Lischer, have received many laurels themselves, so readers will find in these pages wisdom for preaching from many quarters. Some authors include sermons with helpful commentary about the preaching exercise; some offer essays to illuminate the task of sermon writing; all acknowledge the influence of Richard Lischer on their preaching and teaching endeavors.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN TWO SEMINARY PROFESSORS LEAVE their classrooms and spend time among the homeless people and teach on city streets? In this unique collection of essays and sermons, Stanley P Saunders and Charles L. Campbell reflect on their encounters with the homeless folks in Atlanta and seek to discern the way of Jesus on the streets of the city. These passionate, often moving writings demonstrate the power of Scripture to shape the way we see the world, and they explore the significance of social location for exegesis, ethics, worship, and preaching. From the perspective of the street, central Christian practices such as baptism, Eucharist, and preaching come to life in new ways. Scripture takes on fresh meaning too, while ancient insights into the principalities and powers, the practice of scapegoating, and the organization of households become contemporary and immediate. Even theological themes--grace and discipleship, sin and forgiveness, crucifixion and resurrection--look different when take to the street. Accented by six powerful artworks from Christina Bray's exhibit Street Prayers/Spiritual Journeys, this book also sheds light on the problem of homelessness in America and calls the church to action. Through their reflection on personal experiences and their interpretation of biblical texts, Saunders and Campbell provide meaningful theological categories for addressing pressing social issues in the urban context, making The Word on the Street a helpful resource on the realities of poverty, race, and injustice.