The History of Medieval Preaching and Sermon

Medieval preaching was an integral aspect of religious and societal life throughout the Middle Ages, spanning roughly from the 5th to the 15th centuries. It was not merely a tool for religious instruction but also a method of communicating the Church's authority and shaping the moral, social, and political values of the time. The practice of preaching in the medieval period had far-reaching implications, serving as a means of influencing both the individual and the community. This book provides an analysis of the historical development of medieval preaching, its key concepts, prominent figures, and the ways in which it shaped and was shaped by the society and culture of the time. Preaching, in its simplest form, is the delivery of a religious message to an audience. It was central to Christian life during the medieval period, especially in the context of the Church's role as the primary institution that governed spiritual, intellectual, and even political life. The Catholic Church was, by far, the dominant religious authority of the Middle Ages, and its clergy were expected to fulfill the role of preacher. However, preaching was not solely the responsibility of the clergy but was, in fact, one of the primary means through which the Christian message was communicated to the faithful. The role of the preacher was highly esteemed, as he was viewed as a mouthpiece for the divine truth.