Abstract

DE WET, Friedrich W.. Reckoning with the force field of the covenant in aligning the communicative triangle between text, listener and preacher. In Skriflig (Online) [online]. 2012, vol.46, n.1, pp.1-9. ISSN 2305-0853.

In this article the communicative triangular relationship between the Biblical text, the listeners and the preacher is reflected upon from a homiletic point of view. The problem statement deals with potential distortions in this triangular relationship when the listeners and preacher (in their human finitude) are brought into contact with the eternal Word of God as it proceeds from the Biblical text. In the course of the article the following aspects are considered: An ideal establishment of the relationship between text, listeners and preacher - giving all three factors their due place; an exploration of situations in which the communicative triangle can possibly be distorted in the tension field between text, listeners and preacher; and anchoring the communicative triangle in the force field of the covenant, where Christ's atoning (integrative) presence is felt. It is concluded that the preacher is enabled by Christ's presence in the force field of the covenant to remain faithful to the text (through which God speaks), to the listener (as partakers in the grace of God as well as - in missionary context - people called to became partakers in this grace) and to himself (as a new man in Christ). This faithfulness entails that commitment to one element in the communicative triangle is not disturbed or disintegrated by commitment to the other elements.

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