The first-century Jewish historian...
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The first-century Jewish historian Josephus reports a different meaning to John's baptism than do the Gospels; nonetheless, both sources agree that King Herod imprisoned and then executed John the Baptist. What spurred Herod to have a holy man killed? Mark states that it was John's vocal objections to Herod's marriage to his brother's wife. Josephus says it was Herod's fear of rebellion, fueled by the way crowds "were greatly aroused" by John's preaching (xxviii.118, trans. by Paul Maier). Either way, it was John's mouth that got him in trouble. Some preachers will never cause discord, specializing in what William Sloan Coffin describes as "the bland leading the bland" style of sermons. Their homiletical philosophy is akin to that voiced by Calvin Coolidge: "I have never been hurt by anything I didn't say." Other preachers, like John, are willing to irritate and alarm some of their listeners. A church architectural consultant noticed a fire extinguisher housed in a pulpit. "I want to hear that guy's sermons!" the consultant remarked. A third approach is suggested by Earl H. Brill: "People resent being scolded from the pulpit ... They need to be reaffirmed, empowered, challenged ... Preachers can deal with sin and judgment without ever using the words 'ought' or 'must.' "
-- Bristow
-- Bristow
