All Is Forgiven
In attempting to understand the effects of modern secular culture on contemporary American Protestantism, Witten (sociology, Franklin and Marshall Coll.) explores the sermon--the centerpiece of Protestant worship. She focuses on pastors' use of language in preaching the parable of the Prodigal Son, looking specifically at how they discuss the character of God, the social conduct of a believing Christian, and the nature of sin. Although her approach is relatively new, she offers clear arguments that seemingly validate her chosen course of action. She also includes a wonderful bibliography of secondary sources that will aid scholars, though she fails to provide the scholar with more than a few snippets from the original primary sources. Witten's work gives a fresh and needed view into the issue. For academic libraries.- John B. Wright, Brigham Young Univ., Provo, UtahCopyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.