Oracles and odysseys of the Clergy

About the Book

ORACLES AND ODYSSES OF THE CLERGY
Images of the Ministry in Western Literature

What should be the role of the pastor-teacher in the twenty-first century? Shepherd? Rancher? CEO? Impresario? Vigorous discussion and debate are in process right now. Beyond the Biblical documents themselves, history and literature can be helpful in our understanding of how ministry has been understood through the centuries and what it ought to be now. Both ministers and laypersons have a high stake in the wrestling going on in our time. Beginning with Chaucer's CANTERBURY TALES down to the most recent characterizations, Dr. Larsen depicts both positive and negative literary instances to make a contribution to our better understanding of the issues today.

About the Author

David L. Larsen is Professor Emeritus of Preaching at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfied, Illinois. He was educated at Bethel College, Stanford University, Fuller Theological Seminary and North Park Theological Seminary. After serving churches for thirty-two years including historic First Covenant Church in downtown Minneapolis, he came to Trinity in 1981. Now retired after serving as Chairman of the Department of Practical Theology at Trinity, Dr. Larsen continues teaching at master's and doctoral levels, mentoring doctoral students, doing intentional interim pastorates and ministering in Bible conferences in this country and abroad. He and his wife have three married children and six grandchildren.