There have always been historical and philosophical connections between the study of religion and rhetoric, and yet, the phrase ""sacred rhetoric"" is rarely found within scholarly conferences, presentations, and publications. The editors of this collection intend to fill this void by presenting a collection of essays which define, in the broadest terms possible, ""sacred rhetoric"" as necessary discourse of/on religion. The contributors represent multiple perspectives and disparate academic fields such as philosophy, biblical studies, rhetoric, and communication, and each essay is united by a common concern for public discourse that examines the intersection between religion, rhetoric, culture, and identity. Collectively, these essays dissect the manner in which religious actors or religious themes inform various layers of cultural discourse. The goal is to foster discussion based upon a greater awareness of the issues at stake and contribute to ongoing discourse about identity and meaning.
Temporal Light and Shadows: The Rhetoric of the SacredRonald. C. Arnett The Sacred as Rhetoric: Contextualized Story Performances in Ancient DelphiCorey Hackworth The Music Never Stops: Some Grateful Dead in the American Mystical TraditionAaron K. Kerr Shame and Shalom: Doctrine of Justification by Grace through Faith as Anti-Shame RhetoricSang-Il-Kim Walker Percy’s Rhetoric of the Sacred: Signposts in the Strange Land of Triadic CommunicationMichael Kearney Pastoral Preaching: Prophetic and Priestly Rhetoric in Congregational LeadershipSteven Tramel Gaines Sex, Purity, and Community in First-Century Corinth: Paul’s Disciplinary Directive in 1 Corinthians 5:3–5, Its Meaning, Anticipated Outcome, and Contemporary ApplicabilityJames P. Sweeney Joy and Mercy: The Heart of Pope Francis’ Rhetoric of Reform and RestorationDung Q. Tran Leaning into Death: A Philosophy of EquanimityAnnette M. Holba
David M. Barbee is associate professor of Christian thought at Winebrenner Theological Seminary. Brent C. Sleasman is president of Winebrenner Theological Seminary in Findlay, Ohio.
