Plagiarism while preaching?

[Pergamum]

JWithnell:

If I ever served in a US church that had the resources I have often thought that I would print out a sheet of "Materials for further research" about each sermon preached every Sunday that would include the extended quotes and sources, as well as recommended reading to delve further into the sermon text/subject. This "Study Supplement" would also include prayer requests, etc, (the stuff of normal church bulletins). But for now, my "flock" cannot read, I have no printer and even a few of the evangelists that made it here to this region cannot read.

 

[Notthemama1984]

Oh my word, do you guys really think that the people in your congregation are so totally, theologically illiterate? If they have been taught so poorly, no wonder so many people out there thing Joel Olsteen and company are profound. An educated laity is essential, and is very much a part of the reformed tradition. No, I'm not saying a sermon should sound like a dissertation, but as I stated before, having some knowledge of a source gives context to what is being said.

My congregation is illiterate in terms of a theological vocabulary and even worse when it comes to popular Reformed ministers. My congregation is a small town backwoods congregation. I have been in sermons where the pastor spoke of philosophical concepts and quoted Schliermacher (and I benefited from the sermon), but if I was to do the same during my sermons I would lose everyone. The terms Arminianism, Calvinism, dispensationalism, covenant theology, or plenary verbal inspiration sound like gibberish to them. Just because most of us here on PB enjoy reading really old theological works and have developed an understanding of those works does not mean that everyone does.

This is not a knock on them and this does not imply that they have not been properly taught (don't worry I am not taking an offense to that statement. I have only been at the church for a little while. The majority of their teaching has come from someone besides me). I am continually surprised at the love for God these people have and how they grow in sanctification continually. They can also take a stand for their beliefs. They couldn't debate the big guys, but in their witnessing with people in the community they do just fine.


I would be interested in how you define "educated laity." Does everyone need to read Calvin, Owens, Edwards, and all of the Puritan Paperback series? Do they need a theological vocabulary equivalent to a seminarian? Something else?

Please elaborate.

I am not saying that you just accept the fact that the congregation does not understand terms and concepts and do nothing about it, but you have to start at their level and gently guide them in the process of expanding their knowledge base.

 

[Bradwardine]

Oh my word, do you guys really think that the people in your congregation are so totally, theologically illiterate?]

(Sadly) they are.

Some may be recent converts. Others visitors. Others recently moved from another church. And many simply don't read to build up background knowledge. Coupled with a school system in Scotland that will barely mention Knox but will say plenty about Burns.

We have to be sensitive as to where our congregations are , and if that means a very brief explanation of who,say, Augsutine was then so be it.

 

[jwithnell]

I would be interested in how you define "educated laity."

An excellent question that I am not ignoring -- I'm just in back-to-back family events this weekend : )

 

[Notthemama1984]

Don't worry. I totally understand about family get togethers. Just answer whenever you can.