Homiletics in the Nordic Countries

The field of homiletics has played a central role in the northern European countries since the Reformation. In recent years, the study and development of homiletics has however gained an even stronger role and increased interest among a broader group of theologians. This growing interest is likely linked to several factors such as inspiration from American New Homiletics and Other-wise homiletics, the ‘empirical turn’, development of homiletical further education in the form of homiletical master programs, and preaching preparation and feedback as a collaborative practice among colleagues as well as with lay people. The study of homiletics takes place as both a sub-discipline of practical theology at the universities as well as a part of pastoral theology taught at the ecclesiastical institutions of further education. In addition to exchanging homiletical studies within a Northern European context , Northern homileticians have traditionally oriented themselves towards German theology. However, toward the end of the 20th century the inspiration has primarily come from the United States.