Augustine (354–430)

Augustine represents the preaching of the Latin church, a style that may be traced from Tertullian through Cyprian to Ambrose, Augustine's spiritual father and mentor. The Latin style of preaching shows an acquaintance with classical literature, Latin rhetoric, and symbolism. Augustine addresses the matter of homiletics in the fourth book of De Doctrina Christiana. He basically argues that the sermon should be an exposition of the text. Concerning approach, he urges the speaker to appeal to intellect, feeling, and will (to teach, delight, and influence). He mentions three styles of preaching-the restrained, the moderate, and the grand. He advises against the grandiose style, however, because audiences will not tolerate it. Augustine makes a strong case for a restrained style in which the form of the sermon reflects the content. Augustine has written works of very high literary merit, apart from his theological and homiletical writings. His Confessions form one of the most unique an…