confounded-flarbgaspin-razzinfraggin-stinkeldinknockin . . .

Now the problem could be entirely mine, in which case the following is mere rambling from a skewed perspective; on the other hand, the problem is real and the skew lies elsewhere . . .

I noticed a recent post from a certain non-profit educational institution "whose mission is to promote a free and virtuous society sustained by religious principles and characterized by personal and economic liberty." The post is an invitation to all Seminary and Graduate students to participate in a Homiletics [Preaching] Award competition. Submissions will be judged on faithfulness to Biblical text, relevance to [an assigned] contemporary situation and the overall homiletical structure, content and delivery. Cash prizes of $2000, $1000 and $500 will be awarded to first, second and third place finalists. Participants in the preach-off will submit a tape 12-20 minutes long along with a manuscript of said same sermon (caveat: manuscript NOT to have the author's name).

The assigned scripture is James 5:1-6, the topic is "A Warning to Rich Oppresors" and the setting is a weekend retreat to corporate executives.

I am flummoxed. Not because of how preacher and message get separated and how the cash finds the winner. I am confused by the whole principle.

Just what in the wide, wide world of sports is a-goin' on here?

First, whether the situation is hypothetical or not, give these boys who have a message a box of soap to stand on and let 'em go! Back in the day it was not uncommon for a preacher to go out in the woods and let the birds and deer have a listen, and that's even for preachers WITH a pulpit and a regular listening audience!

Second, since when is preacher or message to be judged and prized like hogs at the state fair?
Before the Civil War it was not uncommon for people to go to fairs to hear debates. Lincoln and Douglas were debating in that context long before either of them thought about the Presidency. But they did'nt go to collect a prize, nor did they debate in order to be judged.

My gosh, why the (insert STEVE BROWN-ism here. If you don't know who he is, then nevermind) do we need to set up hypothetical situations? Get those corporate execs together and let a bus-load of homiletical homeboys have a go.

If a warning is to be preached, WHAT THE DOG-GONE HECK are those folks doing sounding our warnings off like bellowing cattle parading for the blue ribbon?

Dang, I'm mad!