Preaching and the Other: Studies of Postmodern Insights

by Ronald J. Allen

Preaching and the Other introduces the reader to six major themes characteristic of the postmodern era that are important for preaching and explains their implications. Themes discussed include: perception as interpretation, deconstruction, otherness, transgression, pluralism, and the importance of apologetics.

144 pages, Paperback

First published October 30, 2009

About the author

Rev. Dr. Ronald J. Allen, is Professor of Preaching and Gospels and Letters at Christian Theological Seminary (CTU) in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA.

A native of Poplar Bluff Missouri and ordained in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Allen has taught at CTU since 1982. He received his PhD from Drew University (1977), MDiv from Union Theological Seminary in New York (1974), and the AB from Phillips University (1971). From 1977 to 1982 he and his spouse, the Reverend Linda McKiernan-Allen, were co-ministers of First Christian Church, Grand Island, Nebraska. Rev. McKiernan-Allen is currently Minister at West Street Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Tipton, Indiana.

In addition to over 100 articles and chapters in books, Allen is the author of more than thirty books.

Reviews

[Robert D. Cornwall · Rating 4 out of 5]

It has become increasingly clear that the modern age is passing away. We don’t yet know what will come next, but for now many speak of it as a postmodern. Allen borrows a definition of postmodernism from a colleague at Christian Theological Seminary, another Allen – Charles – who is no relation. According to Charles Allen, “to be postmodern is to be constantly and critically aware of the relativity of all human thinking and acting” (p. 15). To be postmodern is to be suspicious of claims to objectivity and truth, especially of the universal or absolute sort. Thus, Ron Allen writes:

To be postmodern is also to respect difference and Otherness, to appreciate pluralism and particularity, and to recognize the social conditioning and relativity of all awareness (p. 15).

In this new age less confidence is placed in the ability of reason and science to answer all of life’s questions. If the modern age was marked by the development of metanarratives that could offer explanations of the totality of reality, in the coming age there is less confidence in our ability to explain all facets of reality in one narrative. This has important implications for the church, and for the preacher, since the biblical story is in essence a metanarrative. The question that preachers, especially, face, is how to speak to and in this transitional age.

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