The Six Deadly Sins of Preaching

This ethics of preaching text identifies vices of irresponsible preaching practices. Preachers who fail to develop deep respect for their listeners or drift into a lack faithfulness to the Gospel can end up becoming:

- The Pretender (The Problem of In-authenticity)
- The Egoist (The Problem of Self-absorption)
- The Manipulator (The Problem of Greediness)
- The Panderer (The Problem of Trendiness)
- The Crusader (The Problem of Exploitation)
- The Demagogue (The Problem of Self-righteousness)

Just as the church historically derived its Seven Holy Virtues (chastity, temperance, charity, diligence, patience, kindness, & humility) by naming Seven Deadly Sins (lust, gluttony, greed, sloth, wrath, envy, & pride), Reid and Hogan call preachers to turn away from pulpit vices and strive to realize the homiletic virtues of becoming:

- Authentic (The Call to Be Genuine)
- Altruistic (The Call to Be Selfless)
- Careful (The Call to Exercise Self-Control)
- Passionate (The Call to Be Honest to God)
- Courteous (The Call to Woo a Reasoned Reception)
- A 'Namer' of God (The Call to Reveal an Ineffable God)

The Six Deadly Sins of Preaching explores the difference between the irresponsible practices, unfortunate missteps, and mere unthinking mistakes in preaching. A chapter is devoted to Preaching Missteps (problems that do not rise to the level of being irresponsible) that includes:

- Short Changing the Process
- Waving a Red Flag
- Thou Shall Not Bore the Congregation
- Through the Looking Glass Darkly
- The Mumbler
- TMI--Too Much Information
- Your Cup Do Runneth Over
- Where's This Sermon Going, Anyway?