Analysis Of Fred B. Craddock

Recognizing his need for “retreat”, as he refers to his research leave from Phillips University and a research fellowship from Yale University, author Fred B. Craddock sets out to refresh his approach to teaching and preaching and to reflect on how “to reach those who have already heard” (Craddock, Preface to the First Edition,1978, p.viii). In the writing of this revision Craddock relies heavily on conversations with visitors he entertained while on sabbatical at his rented beach cottage in Connecticut. One of the most weighted influences was Søren Kierkegaard, who Craddock devotes an entire chapter to entitled, “By Way of Kierkegaard” (p. 67-86). Kierkegaard’s quote, “There is no lack of information in a Christian land; something else is lacking, and this is a something which the one cannot directly communicate to the other” (pg. 3), is the overarching theme that Craddock works to define throughout the text.
Summary
Dr. Craddock begins with an explanation of the use of method and how text should and should not be presented when effectively presenting to a hearer who has heard the text before. Craddock’s
Without “blowing his own horn,” Craddock has managed to bring to the reader’s attention a style of narrative preaching that piques the interest of any listener who wants to experience a communication style he likely has not experienced before. “Wisdom is the question people come to church to have answered. What is wisdom? Where can I get it? What difference will it make in my life? How is it better than what I’m living by now? (Fleer & Bland, 2010, p. 121). Dr. Craddock has masterfully answered these questions countless times for his congregations all over the world. His methods invite rapt attention and encourage participation. Frankly speaking he does the reader a favor by tackling the work of Søren Kierkegaard, as he writes in a much more contemporary and readable style than does