설교에서 거리 문제: 미적 거리의 관점에서

Abstract

This paper aims to investigate distance in preaching in terms of aesthetic distance. To begin with, the author examines the discussions of the distance in preaching by Fred Craddock and by contemporary North American homileticians who developed Craddock’s idea of distance in preaching further by applying aesthetic distance. Craddock pointed out that there are three kinds of distance in preaching according to the twin task of interpretation in preaching: 1) Distance between the text and preacher, 2) Distance between the text and listener, and 3) Distance between preacher and listener. Craddock claimed that these distances are overcomethrough a dual hermeneutical process that is constructed by distance and participation in and through hearing the sermon inductively, namely overhearing. Particularly, he argued that the distance between the text and listener, as well as the distance between preacher and listener, should be maintained to protect the listener’s autonomous and independent participation in the preaching event.<BR> A group of scholars of performance homiletics, including Charles Bartow, Jana Childers, and Michael Brothers, developed Craddock’s theory further by applying aesthetic distance, a concept of aesthetic experience in performance theory. These scholars approach hearer’s experience in preaching, which Craddock described as overhearing, as an aesthetic experience, and understand distance in preaching as aesthetic distance. Their discussions of distance in preaching contribute to understanding of the listener as an interpretive subject, equal to the preacher, and comprehending that the experience of the gospel is constructed through the listener’s autonomous participation. The author points out that, despite its benefits, these scholars’ understanding of the experience of the gospel in preaching is too anthropocentric, and argues that God should be considered as the ultimate subject of such experience in preaching as a revelatory event.