Preaching with Newman: Sermonic Vernacular for the Moral Formation of the Church

Abstract

John Henry Newman’s Parochial and Plain Sermons demonstrate a homiletic practice which gives focus to Christian doctrine and morality and aims at the spiritual formation of listeners. To accomplish this aim, Newman uses both conversational speech as well as emotion-laden language which engages listeners as whole persons. Newman’s sermons offer preachers guidance for preaching doctrine and holy living, a task which, to modern ears, may sound as difficult as it does boring. Yet, teaching doctrine and morals are part of the preacher’s task today, even as they have been throughout church history. This essay explores Newman’s preaching and puts him forward as an exemplar of preaching for the “simple formation of real people, real Christians.” Such work in and from the pulpit is increasingly necessary in today’s post-Christian age.