A Keen Edge: Understanding and Applying John A. Broadus’s View of Communication Style to Contemporary Preaching

Abstract

This DMin thesis argues that Broadus’s principles of style should be understood and implemented by contemporary preachers so that their preaching will be marked by clarity, precision, and power. The first chapter surveys the relevant literature in homiletics and demonstrates the current void in the field of study. The second chapter defines Broadus’s view of rhetoric and its relationship to homiletics. The third chapter defends Broadus’s view of style in preaching. The fourth chapter analyzes a selection of Broadus’s sermon manuscripts with an eye toward his use of style. The fifth chapter explores the means of improvement Broadus offers, as well as offers some modern means extrapolated from his principles.