26 Rhetorische Strategien in der homiletischen Aus- und Fortbildung

An often-told story asserts that Protestant theology in Germany effectively banished rhetoric up until the 1970’s, when a homiletical revolt eventually succeeded in rehabilitating rhetorical strategies. Designating the art of effective speaking as decisive feature of modern rhetoric gives this story of homiletics a new twist. While current homiletics indeed treats theories of language in depth, when it comes to rhetoric proper, it sets apart “valid” critical from “problematic” instrumental strands. Strategies reflecting the effects of speech, potent writing and persuasive delivery are sparse. Continuous education for preachers, however, engages a wide array of said strategies. Experts and patterns of public speaking from outside of church offer guidance. They empower preachers to break free from formalized, idiosyncratic speech, allow for creativity to flow as well as for contact to happen. This poses serious, decidedly theological challenges, linked to and intensified by the fragile situations of contemporary church life, religion, and public speaking. Homiletics therefore needs to develop as an intermediary, connecting both theological reasoning and efficacy of ecclesial practice.