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Correlational theology in the pulpit

A case is made for the efficacy of a correlational homiletic method. The cornerstone of this approach is the conviction that a mutually critical conversation needs to be set up between the ideas and propositions in the biblical text and matching ones from the contemporary world of thought. The major advantage is that the preacher is able to address some of the pressing questions that people are wrestling with today. Opponents claim that far from illuminating the text, the correlational exercise actually bends it out of shape. Alien concepts are imported and the internal logic of the text is hijacked. It is argued that as long as the preacher, first, keeps their gaze firmly on the text and its logic and frame of reference and, second, chooses the non-theological dialogue partner(s) well, it is possible to avoid the potential pitfalls. Extracts from a sermon are included by way of demonstrating the method in action.