The Voice of the Bridegroom: Preaching as an Expression of Spousal Love - Hardcover

by Benjamin A. Roberts (Author)

Preaching is a relational act. This book explores the relationship between the preacher and the assembly as a spousal relationship. Written by a parish pastor with a doctorate in preaching and rooted in the Roman Catholic notion of the priest as bridegroom of the church, this work examines characteristics of the spousal relationship between husband and wife and then provides an analysis of the ministerial priesthood through this nuptial lens. This nuptial reflection on the ministerial priesthood is then applied to preaching. This book presents a nuptial hermeneutic or vision for preaching and the implications of this vision for the assembly, the preacher, the homily, and the homiletical method. The appendices include a one-page strategy for preaching summarizing the homiletical method, a rubric for homily evaluation by members of the assembly, and two sample homilies.

Author Biography

Benjamin A. Roberts is a priest of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte, North Carolina, holds a doctorate in preaching from Aquinas Institute of Theology, and serves as an adjunct professor of theology for Saint Joseph's College of Maine.