Definition

1. Noun:
   • The art of preaching: The study and practice of the principles and techniques involved in composing and delivering sermons or religious discourses.
   • The branch of theology that deals with sermons and homilies: A formal area of theological study concerned with the theory, history, and methodology of preaching.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The seminary required all students to take a course in homiletics to improve their preaching skills.
  • His doctoral dissertation focused on the history of homiletics in the 18th century.
  • Effective homiletics involves not only scriptural knowledge but also an understanding of rhetoric and audience.

Advanced Usage

• "Principles of homiletics": Refers to the foundational rules or theories governing the construction and delivery of sermons.

  • The book outlines the core principles of homiletics for new pastors.

• "Homiletics and hermeneutics": Often paired in theological study, highlighting the relationship between the art of preaching (homiletics) and the science of interpretation (hermeneutics).

  • A strong sermon is built upon the integration of sound hermeneutics and homiletics.

Variants and Related Words

• Homiletic (adj): Pertaining to preaching or homiletics.

  • The professor's homiletic style was both scholarly and engaging.

• Homily (n): A sermon or discourse on a moral or religious topic.

  • The priest delivered a short homily on compassion.

• Homilist (n): A person who delivers or composes homilies.

  • He was known as a gifted homilist who could connect with any congregation.

Synonyms

• Preaching: The act of delivering a sermon or religious address. (Note: This is the activity itself, while is the study of that activity.)
• Pulpit oratory: Formal or artistic speaking from the pulpit.

Related Phrases

• "The craft of homiletics": Emphasizes the skill and artistry involved in preaching.

  • He devoted his life to mastering the craft of homiletics.

• "Contemporary homiletics": Refers to modern theories, styles, and methods of preaching.

  • The conference explored trends in contemporary homiletics.

Noun

1. the art of preaching
2. the branch of theology that deals with sermons and homilies