Contemplative Preaching
E Trey Clark
The Oxford Handbook of Christian Homiletics October 23, 2026 DOI: 10.1093/9780197792285.003.0004 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key points | Proposes a definition of contemplative preaching within the Christian tradition as sacred proclamation that emerges from a habitus or disposition of prayer, employs a mystical hermeneutic, and embodies a meditative homiletical style in order to lead listeners into a transformative encounter with Jesus Christ. The chapter illustrates this practice through four historical exemplars—Augustine of Hippo, Hildegard of Bingen, Juana de la Cruz, and Howard Washington Thurman—and discusses critical issues in current scholarship, including cataphatic and apophatic theology, women preachers' voice and agency, and proclamation outside traditional liturgical settings. |
Abstract
Abstract: Contemplative preaching has been practiced throughout the history of the Christian church in various ways, yet the theorization of it is relatively new. This chapter explores contemplative preaching in historical and theological perspective. First, a survey of scholarly attempts to define contemplative preaching is offered. Building on the work of others, the author proposes the following definition: Contemplative preaching, within the Christian tradition, is sacred proclamation that emerges from a habitus or disposition of prayer, employs a mystical hermeneutic, and embodies a meditative homiletical style in order to lead listeners into a transformative encounter with Jesus Christ. The practice of contemplative preaching is examined through a brief survey of four historical exemplars from distinct periods: Augustine of Hippo (354–430), Hildegard of Bingen (1098–1179), Juana de la Cruz (1481–1534), and Howard Washington Thurman (1899–1981). Additionally, the chapter explores critical issues in current scholarship related to the study of contemplative preaching, such as the relationship between contemplative sermons and cataphatic and apophatic theology, the voice and agency of women preachers, and proclamation outside traditional liturgical environments. The chapter concludes by noting areas for future research in contemplative homiletics.