The document discusses Augustine's views on preaching as outlined in his work "On Christian Doctrine." He believed the goal of preaching should be conveying divine truths with wisdom rather than eloquence alone. A preacher must clearly explain the message, know when they have been understood, and adapt their style based on whether instructing, pleasing, or persuading the congregation.

1. Augustine ~ 426
“On Christian Doctrine”
sections 20 - 40

2. Background Review
Topic - how to convey truths
“How to” - Oral sermons that are not
composed in detail before delivery
Preacher must be ready to adapt his
discourse based on reaction of
congregation (audience)

3. His Beliefs
Platonic - believes in conveying truth
wisdom is more important than
eloquence
Eloquence can be achieved without
Rhetorical training

4. Highlights of Book 4
language is only a means to the final
contemplation of “divine” truth
deceptive methods should not be
employed for the sake of persuasion
Follows Cicero in pattern for Rhetoric -
pleasing, teaching and moving to action

5. His Notoriety
Augustine’s text is still in print today
Is highly regarded as major landmark in
Christian thinking about Biblical
Exegesis and Preaching

6. Main Points in 20-25
The message of the Bible must be delivered with wisdom and eloquence; however, clarity is
more important than eloquence.
A Pastor should labor to be understood through their clearness of expression and not in a
way that represents themselves as authority.
Elegant expression should be put aside for telling and explaining well what is being pointed
out.
Good or correct speech is not useful if it keeps the hearer from understanding the message.
In a church setting, the congregation cannot raise their hands to ask a question so, the
speaker must accommodate the silent listener.
The pastor must know when the message has come across and then stop delivering it so as
not to cause the people to grow weary and not care about his point.

7. main points in 26-30
What is obscure must be made clear in a pleasing manner so it bears fruit.
“Even the very food that is necessary for life must have seasoning”
An orator ought to speak in such a way to instruct, to please and to persuade.
If the listener does not know what to do then instruction must precede persuasion.
If the truth is pleasing , then eloquence is not necessary.
It is necessary that the sacred orator, when urging that something be done, should not only
teach in order to instruct, but to move in order to win.
“On Conviction”- let it be said !! : and let righteousness, not evil, gain a willing hearing!

8. Main Points in 31-35
charm of style is not pleasing in which , slight and unimportant truths are adorned with a
foamy redundancy of expression.
He who has been given the role of teacher in the Church ought to have before his eyes three
of the Apostles Epistles
! Timothy
2Timothy
Titus:
He will be eloquent who can speak in a subdued manner on important matters; in order to
please, in a moderate style on things of greater importance; and in order to persuade, in a
grand style on great subjects.
With concern for a mans welfare, the orator/pastor must warn against eternal destruction.

9. Main Points in 36-40
Grand If adverse opinion is forced to
change
Moderate When a thing is being
criticized or commended
Subdued When something is being
explained
Style depends on the message being delivered

10. “Q and R”
Questions?