This little book is full of dynamite, as far as preaching and communicating the Gospel are concerned.  I almost passed over it in my reading stack, but once I picked it up, I didn’t want to put it down. The author, now pastor of the Immanuel Baptist Church in Lexington, Kentucky, ably grapples with the postmodern world.  He understands the implications of postmodernism’s denial of reason and objectivity and its endorsement of “changing truths.”  He understands that people today do not listen, process, or approach concepts the way we have for the last several hundred years during the modern or enlightenment era.

I particularly like the practicality of this book. Loscalzo is a preacher who is concerned to blend together the challenge to understand the philosophy of the world around us (not deny it, as some attempt to do) and the challenge to bring the truth to bear in the lives of the people in a way that makes them not mere academic snobs, but biblical-worldview Christians living for Christ day to day.

Loscalzo takes Peter’s word seriously when he says “But in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord.  Always be ready to make your defense to anyone who demands from you an accounting for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and reverence” (1 Peter 3:15-16).   In one helpful chapter he states, “When it comes to apologetic preaching, we know the final answer is going to be Jesus.  However, in practice, preaching Jesus Christ to and within a postmodern context becomes more difficult.  With many presuppositions about Christian faith being called into question, even by people within the Christian community, the significance of faithful and apologetic proclamation of Jesus as God’s ultimate revelation to humankind cannot be overstated.”

He includes a sermon based on Romans 1:16, 17 in which he demonstrates how to preach to a postmodern world.  Loscalzo says, “ Preach [Christ] in a way accessible to postmodern ears.  Preach him so that people can see him in your words and actions.  Share his life and message through illustrations of how he is transforming the world today.”  Isn’t that what biblical preaching is supposed to do?  I was reminded as I read that we have developed a stereotype of what a sermon is supposed to be and how it should be presented.  Yet, preaching is that action that seeks to take the truth of God and the lives of the listeners, and, with the Holy Spirit’s help, link the two together so that a rendezvous with God might occur. 

Apologetic preaching is hopeful preaching, and one characteristic of postmodernism is its spiritual hopelessness.  Peter tells us to be able to give a reason for the hope that is within us.  Loscalzo says, “We want those who enter our sanctuary to be clear when they leave about why we are a hopeful people.”  His practical advice throughout the book makes it a must read for preachers and teachers who desire to communicate God’s truth to a needy people.

- Charles Dunahoo, CEP Coordinator