This book offers a comprehensive overview of the history of Christian preaching, tracing its evolution from the apostolic age to the present day. It provides readers with an in-depth understanding of how sermons and homilies have shaped the life of the Church across various historical periods. The book explores the key figures, movements, and theological developments that have influenced the art and practice of preaching.
Beginning with the early Church and the apostolic preaching found in the New Testament, the book moves through the patristic era, with a focus on the Church Fathers such as Augustine, Chrysostom, and Ambrose, who laid the foundations of Christian homiletics. It examines how their interpretations of Scripture and moral exhortations became models for future preachers.
The medieval period is explored in detail, highlighting the role of monastic orders, such as the Dominicans and Franciscans, in reviving preaching as a spiritual and evangelical tool. The influence of Scholasticism and the development of sermon styles in the universities and courts are analyzed, providing insights into the diverse forms of medieval homiletics.