This is a print on demand book and is therefore non- returnable. Willimon writes with passion about the dynamics and implications of preaching to a congregation, to those who, having been
This is a print on demand book and is therefore non- returnable. Willimon writes with passion about the dynamics and implications of preaching to a congregation, to those who, having been
called, are either baptized or yet to be baptized. The preacher, says Willimon, needs to address the people in a congregation with "peculiar speech," letting the biblical text call them to live a transformed life in keeping with their baptism. Within the book appear three powerful baptismal sermons — "The Invitation," "Divine Divestment," and "The New Family."
Preaching
"Peculiar Speech presents a much-needed corrective—a strong dose of gospel as a striking critique of the contemporary church. It may be Willimon's most important book to date."
Ministry
"Pastors wishing to add depth to their preaching ministry will gain much from this book. Those who take time to digest it will acquire a new perspective and impetus in their pulpit ministry."
James F. White
—University of Notre Dame
"Will Willimon has a genius for bringing together things united in life but distinct in our minds. Here he combines two subjects too long disunited in our thinking: preaching and baptism. In writing about one, he illuminates the other. This is vintage Willimon, filled with provocative ideas and illustrated with telling anecdotes. Every preacher will profit from reading this book."
Eugene Peterson
"For those of us who have been bullied into skirting the neighborhood of our distinctive Christian language and politics in favor of something supposedly 'relevant' and 'universal,' Willimon is a champion. He takes his stand on a single word, baptism, and sends the bullies packing. With the bullies gone we recover the powerful and unique identity conferred by baptism and are again bold to stick to the language and behavior that derive from it. Thank you, William Willimon — it's nice to have the neighborhood back!"
Elizabeth Achtemeier
—Union Theological Seminary
"It would be difficult to recommend this little book too highly. In pages filled with sparkling speech, biblical profundity, and a kind of holy humor, Willimon gives us (1) a hard-hitting presentation of the gospel over against pluralism and relativism of our time, (2) a sharp critique of some of our generally accepted homiletical principles, and (3) a clear-eyed, Christian understanding of what the church is all about."
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Will Willimon is Professor of the Practice of Christian Ministry and Director of the Doctor of Ministry at Duke Divinity School, Durham, North Carolina. He is an internationally renowned preacher and widely read author noted for his humor, his insight into the Christian faith, and his theological commitment. His many books have sold over a million copies.
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