Seems a little reductionist—the options are not binary, either to shame or to glorify folk into action. At first glance, I’d expected the writer to repudiate both and go for something like inspiring folk with Christ’s example, which he does toward the end.
I suppose, if we look hard enough in Scripture, we’ll find examples of all three approaches, and perhaps more. Sometimes Paul (Christ, too!) positively excoriates his hearer, using sarcasm even, on occasion. Other times, the writer is “persuaded of better things of you,” notwithstanding their struggles. Frequently, Christ is uplifted.
Not all sermons or pastor are so balanced; so the article does serve that purpose—to highlight the need to examine one’s homiletic bent.
Discussion
NewSeems a little
I suppose, if we look hard enough in Scripture, we’ll find examples of all three approaches, and perhaps more. Sometimes Paul (Christ, too!) positively excoriates his hearer, using sarcasm even, on occasion. Other times, the writer is “persuaded of better things of you,” notwithstanding their struggles. Frequently, Christ is uplifted.
Not all sermons or pastor are so balanced; so the article does serve that purpose—to highlight the need to examine one’s homiletic bent.