Book Reviews -- By: Anonymous

Journal: Michigan Theological Journal
Volume: MTJ 01:1 (Spring 1990)
Article: Book Reviews
Author: Anonymous


Book Reviews

Homiletic: Moves and Structures. By David Buttrick. Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1987. 486 pp.

This is a comprehensive volume dealing with a broad range of homiletical issues. The book is composed of two major divisions. Part one, “Moves,” discusses the various structural components of sermonic development. These discussions are technical and analytical in nature providing an excellent, in-depth treatment for the serious student of homiletics. Buttrick uses the term, move” somewhat synonymously with the traditional sermonic term “point.” The author argues that preaching involves speaking in formed modules of language arranged in a patterned sequence which he terms “moves.” It is the logical arrangement of these “moves” within the sermon structure that is argued to be the crucial and central concern of sermonic development. This first part of the book also contains excellent discussions regarding the various components of sermonic framework. The use of images, metaphors, examples and illustrations is handled with both precision and insight. The treatments concerning the construction of sermon introductions and conclusions are particularly well-done.

The second division of this book is titled “Structures” and deals with several hermeneutical and theological issues related to the homiletical field. This section also discusses the overall process involved in sermonic preparation and stresses the need for an ordered and logical methodology. Buttrick’s comment, “the process depends on thinking, often unhurried thinking, imagination, and technical skill” reflects his approach toward homiletic instruction. Although the author’s theological persuasion is not always squarely within the conservative camp, the strength of his overall argumentation concerning homiletic theory and practice is sound. This book is a highly recommended work with in-depth discussions of rhetorical, homiletical and exegetical issues.

John M. Restum

Healing The Masculine Soul. By Gordon Dalbey. Dallas: Word Publishing, 1988. 214 pp.

This book is a sound evangelical treatment regarding psychological and theological aspects concerning several issues related to the “masculine soul.” Dalbey’s major emphasis is to bring to the forefront many of the issues related to male human development which have been neglected in both popular and professional writings. He bemoans this fact particularly in light of the proliferation of materials concerning feminine emotional and developmental themes. The book discusses these issues matter-of-factly without resorting to anti-feminist polemical rhetoric.

Dalbey discusses severa...

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