by Dr. Edward L. Hunt

This sermon was preached by Dr. Edward L. Hunt on the occasion of the graduation ceremonies of New York Theological Seminary on May 16, 2009, at the Riverside Church in New York City. Dr. Hunt, a Baptist minister, is Professor of Pastoral Care and Director of the Prison Program at New York Theological Seminary.

by Megan L. Stivison

Quotations on the subject of Ecology.

Reviewed by Doug Stivison

This book is a deeply-challenging exploration of the theology and the praxis necessary for “an ecological conversion.” The author calls for an understanding of the connection between ecological awareness and all facets of our Christian faith as he invites readers to think through what it means to form “an authentic ecological theology for the twenty-first century.”

by Dr. Keith A. Russell

I hope that you will find this issue of THE LIVING PULPIT to be a stimulating discussion of the challenge of Easter preaching. There is no doubt across diverse Christian traditions about the centrality of Easter for Christian faith and practice. The question raised in this issue of our journal is not about the importance or centrality of Easter but about how to present this event at the end of the 20th century.

By Dr. Keith A. Russell

In this issue of The Living Pulpit we focus on ecology. You will find several articles relating to this issue and some suggested resources to further investigate the topic. We hope that you find this material helpful to grappling with our current ecological crisis.

By Dr. Keith A. Russell

What would happen to our Easter pulpits if we simply sought to roll the stone away so that people could confront the forces of death in their own lives? Do we dare challenge the principalities and powers of our age with the implications of a God who is both present in life and who lives beyond the boundaries of death?

By Dr. Ronald J. Allen

Reflections on the Lectionary Readings for June 2009

By Dr. Keith A. Russell

Reflections on the lectionary readings for April 2009

By Dr. Marian Ronan

“The Woman at the Well” (John 4: 1-30, 39-42) is a well known and influential New Testament text, where, as a result of the ensuing conversation at the well, Jesus becomes the Messiah of the Samaritan people, and the woman becomes his messenger to those same people. But this is not the way many Christians understand John 4.

By Rev. Dr. Nancy H. Bloomer

Preaching about the environment is a challenge many of us in the church have shied away from. The church’s attention seems to be on other matters; and yet, we need to wake people up so that we can heal the earth and heal ourselves.

By Robyn Michalove

In the midst of our fragmented and hurting world, where death is the pervasive if not the final answer, the Christian preacher has the awesome privilege and distinct responsibility to offer an alternative worldview.

By William O’Brien

The question of prayer – what is it, what does it mean, how do we do it – has been grist for the theological and spiritual mill for centuries, resulting in a dizzying array of ideas, forms, and practices. Whether it’s the contemplation of the hermit in the desert or the raucous and rowdy tent revival, Christian prayer has taken an astonishing variety of expressions, from the sublime to the suspect, from the majestic to the manipulative.