Preaching Apocalyptic History

William C. Turner on Delightful Duty

Nearly a month after the attacks of September 11th, the Rev. Dr. William C. Turner preached a Founder's Day sermon in Duke Chapel. He reflected on how the apocalyptic urgency of God's call impacts the long, often difficult histories of institutions and nations, shaping the choices of the heart. Twenty years later, he reflects on the apocalyptic urgency of our present moment and the "prophetic calculus" of God. 

Listen to Turner’s sermon, Delightful Duty, (October 7, 2001) and watch the interview below.

 

"You never know how God can take your effort, your resources,...and interlace it with the sincere effort of someone else."

 ― William C. Turner

For Discussion

  1. Dr. Turner uses the apocalyptic urgency of God's kingdom in Luke 17 to honor the everyday duties of ordinary people.  How does his sermon show - through his illustrations, social analysis, sermon delivery, and theology - the extraordinary import of daily, often uncelebrated, commitments?
     
  2. How does Dr. Turner "tell the truth" about the place of Duke University on this significant date in its history?
     
  3. Dr. Turner argues for the importance of leaving the "cutting edge" on the scripture's use of the term "slave." In your own preaching, how do you negotiate language in scripture that reinforces an oppressive reality?
     
  4. Where do you see Dr. Turner making space in the Chapel for the traditions of the Black churches that raised him and the Durham church he presently serves?
     
  5. Why do you think some preachers avoid the "knife's edge" of the preaching moment and a God who is "threatening to heal us"?
     
  6. Where do you see God's "prophetic calculus" playing out in your own, present-day ministry?