The homiletical contributions of James W. Cox with particular emphasis upon his writings and methodology

Abstract

This dissertation is a survey of the homiletical contributions of James W. Cox with particular emphasis upon his writings and methodology. Chapter 1 is an introductory chapter that explains the significance of this study. Heretofore no scholar has written on Cox as the sole subject of research.

Chapter 2 is biographical, tracing Cox's background as far back as possible, then moving forward chronologically, leading up to the beginning of his teaching career at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Attention is given to areas such as Cox's conversion experience, call to ministry, education, family, and occasions for pastorates.

Chapter 3 is an overview of Cox's written homiletical contributions. The emphasis of this chapter is upon Cox's major homiletical books and articles. Interaction with other homileticians is provided where appropriate.

Chapter 4 surveys Cox's hermeneutics for preaching. The focus of this section concerns Cox's convictions about Scripture and the location of meaning in a text. Chapter 5 examines Cox's homiletical method. The chapter surveys Cox's teaching and methodology concerning the preparation and delivery of sermons.

Chapter 6 analyzes Cox's sermons. Eight sermons are critiqued according to guidelines Cox himself sets forth in his writings.

Chapter 7 is an overview of how Cox is perceived by his colleagues. The author has excerpted critical comments from scholars who have reviewed Cox's published homiletical writings and has provided comments from five of Cox's colleagues who were interviewed for this chapter.

Chapter 8 is a summary and conclusion. The significant homiletical contributions are summarized from each section of the dissertation.

The dissertation includes six appendices: (1) Time-Line of Significant Events in Cox's Life; (2) Examples of Sermon Preliminaries; (3) Guiding Principles for the Interpretation of the Bible; (4) "A Meditation" (reproduction of weekly article written when Cox was a teenager); (5) Preaching Engagements; and (6) Miscellaneous Anecdotes and Information.