Preaching and the Literary Forms of the Bible Paperback – October 1, 1988

Long examined the rhetorical impact of various genres of biblical literature (narrative; psalm, wisdom, epistle) and argues that the same rhetorical impact should be present in our sermons. This is insight that more preachers need to learn...because not every sermon is the same.Some evangelical and conservative readers may not agree with his mainline approach to Scripture, but his goal of mimicking the original impact of a text is more faithful to the doctrine of inerrancy of Scripture than many conservatives. (If the words and thoughts are inspired, isn't the rhetoric just as equally inspired?)I do think the need to examine rhetorical effect in every text is vital for the preacher, but Long's focus on the various genres in some ways flattens out the impact within the genres themselves. In other words, shouldn't an imprecatory psalm be preached radically different from a psalm of praise? Or shouldn't a thanksgiving section in an epistle be preached radically different from say a warning passage in Hebrews? Long mentioned this in his brief (but extremely good) final chapter, but it would be helpful if this was more fleshed out.

Dr. Long urges us to let the text guide the process. Long is on the forefront of the new homiletical method which does not put the text on the operating table to perform surgery on it, but lets the text loose to speak to the church. Sermon gerne should follow scripture genre. The book is accesible and valuable to anyone seeking to make their preaching more accessible to the congregation.

Love having a little background on each form because it helps me have a better understanding and/or grip to preach from. Got this suggestion from "Preaching the Story That Shapes Us" by Dan Boone.

great guide to effective preaching and understanding how biblical texts mean. This book was a great tool for discovery to me.

Every preacher needs to read this book. I am blessed by this book.

Was very good , as expected

I approached, investigated and uncovered the riches of the Bible after reading Tom Long's book on preaching and the literary forms of the Bible, as he lists honest academic perspectives about the literary form and dynamics of biblical texts, discovering how to best move from text to sermon. I gained a wealth of insight as I looked for the spiritual, - experiences of the Divine - and moral reasonings - for new information, not wanting to make assumptions, and found the canonical textual answers and, thereby, using the literary forms could be better or seriously prepared in my sermons and when engaging in discussions. I especially like the comprehensive text-to-sermon process or approach that applied methodology in separate chapters on preaching the psalms, proverbs, narratives, parables, and epistles in textual, focused literary genres , historical and diversities forms that were now not in a hit and miss fashion, regarding the earliest writings. I saw the possibilities for hearing the plots, claims or movements of the inner sequences of the forces/texts themselves on contemporary life in various settings, identifications, and unfoldings and welcomed these possibilities in preaching.

The contents of Tom Long's Literary Forms of the Bible are inclusive and interesting. Although I have not heard him preach - I have heard him teach and critique other preacher's sermons. He always zeros in on the preacher's use of literary forms: Psalms, Proverbs, Narratives, Parable, Epistles.Long quotes varied literary critics as Stanley Fish, Laurence Perrine and Robert Scholes. He makes use of Robert Alter, Walter Brueggemann, Fred Craddock, C. H. Dodd and Paul Ricoeur. I have experienced with delight his teaching of Parables focused upon the symbols of Code, Vesels, and Objects of Art!I am tempted to chime-in to his class discussions, when he asks: "What if we switch over into another related period of American art?" Naturally, my first parallel comes from the classical or jazz fields of music that I have lived with for fifty years. Not a surprise when I am seeking-out fresh gripping illustrations to fit into the same Biblical text. He has mastered the art of Literary Approach to Preaching!Chaplain Fred W Hood

While I truly enjoyed the journey through Long's presentation, what left me satisfied was the fact that he never lost sight of the fact that the Bible is more than a book utilizing literary forms but in fact the very word of God. In light of this fact, recognizing literary forms positively informs the modern preacher.

I enjoyed and was challenged by this book. Although at times it can drag on, the majority of the book is useful.