DESCRIPTION

This ethics of preaching text identifies vices of irresponsible preaching practices. Preachers who fail to develop deep respect for their listeners or drift into a lack faithfulness to the Gospel can end up becoming: 
 

• The Pretender (The Problem of In-authenticity)
• The Egoist (The Problem of Self-absorption)
• The Manipulator (The Problem of Greediness)
• The Panderer (The Problem of Trendiness)
• The Crusader (The Problem of Exploitation)
• The Demagogue (The Problem of Self-righteousness)

Just as the church historically derived its Seven Holy Virtues (chastity, temperance, charity, diligence, patience, kindness, & humility) by naming Seven Deadly Sins (lust, gluttony, greed, sloth, wrath, envy, & pride), Reid and Hogan call preachers to turn away from pulpit vices and strive to realize the homiletic virtues of becoming: 

• Authentic (The Call to Be Genuine)
• Altruistic (The Call to Be Selfless)
• Careful (The Call to Exercise Self-Control)
• Passionate (The Call to Be Honest to God)
• Courteous (The Call to Woo a Reasoned Reception)
• A 'Namer' of God (The Call to Reveal an Ineffable God)

The Six Deadly Sins of Preaching: Becoming Responsible for the Faith We Proclaim explores the difference between the irresponsible practices, unfortunate missteps, and mere unthinking mistakes in preaching. A chapter is devoted to Preaching Missteps (problems that do not rise to the level of being irresponsible) that includes: 

• Short Changing the Process
• Waving a Red Flag
• Thou Shall Not Bore the Congregation
• Through the Looking Glass Darkly
• The Mumbler
• TMI-Too Much Information
• Your Cup Do Runneth Over
• Where's This Sermon Going, Anyway?