(ABP) -- If preachers pass off other people’s work as their own, they automatically limit themselves to preaching about only eight commandments. “Thou shalt not steal” and “thou shalt not bear false witness” become off-limits.
But preachers can avoid plagiarism by beginning at the right place -- giving time and attention to the biblical text before reading or listening to other people’s sermons about the text, said Joel Gregory, professor of preaching at Baylor University’s Truett Theological Seminary.
“To be sure you’re not plagiarizing, do your own exegetical work,” Gregory said, echoing advice he gives to his students in classrooms and mentoring sessions....
Dr. Steven J. Lawson | 9/27/2010
