Preaching doesn't end the discussion, it begins it

Rob Bell talks about subversive preaching, the type of preaching that gets under the skin. It creates space, is purposeful about what doesn't need to be said. It invites you to find yourself in the message. Bad communication kills all the questions and provides all the answers. Good communication (modeled by Jesus) creates questions that get you thinking days later. It provokes thinking rather than provides answers. He quotes Sean Penn:

When everything gets answered, it's fake. The mystery IS the truth.

Walter Kaufman writes:

If it is quite clear, it is too easy to reject...But if the recommended path were utterly devoid of mystery, it would cease to fascinate men...There would be nothing left to discuss and interpret, to lecture about, to admire and merely think about.

Comments

[kevin]

Now, if my preaching prof would just understand that...

[Richard]

I'd *far* prefer to listen to a sermon that challenges me to explore questions, than one that tells me "the answer is X, Y and Z." With the challenge, I'll go to scripture, I'll talk it over with people, I'll even *gasp* pray about it! :) Blessings and peace - Richard

[Arthur]

I'm not sure I totally agree with Kaufman on this one. Billy Graham preaches some pretty simple and clear sermons leading to many being saved. No doctrinal arguments, or denominational pet peeves, just the plain and simple Gospel made easy to understand, yet he is not afraid to name a sin for what it is...a sin. Thank God. We need more preachers just like that.

[George]

a big AMEN to that Arthur

[kim]

I didn't know Sean Penn is a Bible scholar.