If a Sermon Falls in the Forest--: Preaching Resurrection Texts

This book looks at the scriptural texts concerning a pivotal New Testament theme, the resurrection of Jesus, and examines how they may be read in various interpretive communities. It covers each of the major New Testament writers, Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, and Paul, and places their distinctive accounts of Jesus' resurrection in the broader context of their entire output. Since the resurrection material represents some of the most distinctive sections of each of these authors, the book serves as a basic introduction to these major figures (a kind of Cliff Notes to a critical study of the New Testament!). The book helps readers understand the unique view each writer brought to bear on the life of Jesus and the faith of his followers.But there's more: each section includes one or more sample sermons illustrating how a preacher might treat these texts for an actual congregation. Each sermon is introduced with a description of the context in which it was preached.This is an easy-to-read manual for preachers, teachers, and anyone who wants to learn more about the New Testament witness to the resurrection of Jesus.Here's what a reviewer has to say: "This book is a lot better than its title! Shepherd knows the Scripture and he knows how to preach. In his earlier book, 'No Deed Greater than a Word,' he helped readers think about preaching. 'If a Sermon Falls in the Forest' demonstrates how good exegesis and good proclamation work together. Most exciting to me, he focuses on the central mystery of the resurrection. He celebrates the diversity of scriptural witness and shows how to continue that witness in sermons for diverse settings."-Luke Timothy Johnson, Robert W. Woodruff Professor of New Testament and Christian Origins, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia.