Homiletics and pastoral theology - Shedd - I - Chapter 1 commenced

Required reading
Homiletics and pastoral theology by William G T Shedd (Available from Amazon or free here) - Commence Chapter 1 (Relation of sacred eloquence to Biblical exegesis) by reading up to the paragraph commencing 'II. We pass from this topic, to consider a second effect of the exegesis and apprehension of the Christian revelation...'.

My summary
This week we begin Shedd's work.

Shedd kicks off by looking at the relationship between oratory and exegesis. 

Initially Shedd shows the similarity between philosophy and theology in that they are both interpreters of truth - not originators of it.

Then Shedd gives us his first main point of the chapter by looking at the place that originality imparts to religious thinking and discourse.  Thus he teaches us that originality:
(i) is always relative in man, but completely new when from God;
(ii) consists, in the sphere of a creature, in the power of interpretation (i.e. exegesis);
(iii) in man is not the power of making a communication of truth, but of apprehending one;
(iv) stirs the human intellect into profound and genial action.

What grabbed me
I liked the focus on how God's original word stirs us up: 'Returning now to the Christian Scriptures, we claim that they are the great and transcendent source of originality and power, for the human intellect. The examples which we have cited from the range of uninspired literature fall far short of the reality, when we pass to the written revelation of God. Though grouped together in the most artless and unambitious manner; though the work of divers ages and different minds ; though showing a variety and inequality that passes through the whole scale of composition, from the mere catalogue in the Book of Chronicles, to the sublime ode in Isaiah or the Apocalypse; though, so far as mere artistic form and labored attempt at impression are concerned, almost careless and indifferent, nevertheless the body of literature contained in the Hebrew and Greek Scriptures has moved upon the mind of man, in his generations, as the moon has moved upon the sea. The influence has been tidal.'

Shakespeare and Homer may stir men, but God's word stirs us much, much more..

Next week's reading
Conclude Chapter 1 (Relation of sacred eloquence to Biblical exegesis).

Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.