Correlational Theology in the Pulpit

Presenter: Associate Professor Neil Pembroke

A case is made for the efficacy of a correlational homiletic method. In this method, a mutually critical conversation needs to be set up between the ideas and propositions in the biblical text and matching ones from the contemporary world of thought. Opponents claim that far from illuminating the text, the correlational exercise actually bends it out of shape. It is argued that as long as the preacher, firstly, keeps her or his gaze firmly on the logic and frame of reference of the text, and, secondly, chooses the non-theological dialogue partner(s) well, it is possible to avoid the potential pitfalls.

Image by: Ib Rasmussen (Own work), Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons