| Summary: | In this homiletical investigation in which it was attempted to study hearers' attitude as possible
noise (communication barrier between preacher and hearer) in the process of transferring the
message of a sermon, the following aspects were incorporated:
Basis-theoretical perspectives on the attitude of hearers as possible cause of noise in
the process of transferring the message of a sermon. (To illustrate this facet the
parable of the sower in Luke 8:4-15 was analysed.)
Meta-theoretical perspectives on hearers' attitude as possible cause of noise in the
process of transferring the message of a sermon. (Perspectives from the fields of
Psychology and Communication Sciences, as well as empirical data obtained were
implemented in this section of the investigation.)
Practice-theoretical perspectives on hearers' attitude as possible noise in the process
of transferring the message of a sermon. (Results of the hermeneutical interaction
between basis-theoretical and meta-theoretical material were included in this section.)
In Chapter 1 it was attempted to reach the set aim by analysing Luke 8:4-15, indicating the broad
thought structure of this pericope. On the basis of the thought structure the nature of the
interaction between preacher, hearer, attitude and noise was also illustrated schematically. These
schematic illustrations gave an indication of the following: the macro-structure of this section from
Scripture, the paragraph layout, the text layout and the micro-structure.
In the exegetical part in which the above-mentioned aspects were investigated in more detail the
following were focused on: preacher and preaching, the spirituality of the preacher, hearers'
attitude, the nature of noise originating in the process of communicating the message of a
sermon, and the influence of Satan in the process of listening.
The nature of Jesus's preaching was traced by analysing the parable of the sower. In this parable
four kinds of hearers are highlighted: those influenced by Satan, those touched by short-lived
emotions, those influenced by temptations, and in final instance, those in whose lives the Word of
God impacts positively. In the parable four possible conditions of soil are utilised as images to
explain in concrete terms the nature of the noise that obstructs the possible positive influence and
outcome of the process of preaching. The kind of soil can for instance be characterised by its
hardness, lack of depth or being obstructed by weeds. Seed can only germinate in good and
fertile soil.
In Chapter 3 the set aim was approached on meta-theoretical level. The development and the
changing of attitude were discussed within the fields of Psychology and the subdivision of Social
Psychology, as well as in the field of Communication Sciences. Noise as interpreted within the
framework of the Social Sciences was also investigated. The conclusion arrived at was that the
existence of the concept of noise has increasingly been acknowledged in the fields of both
Psychology and Communication Sciences. The point of departure of this study was that human
change of attitude is primarily brought about by the Holy Spirit. It was, however, also emphasised
that available techniques from the field of contemporary Communication Sciences can be
implemented to effect a change in attitude.
Chapter 4 indicated practice-theoretically that noise will inevitably remain part of the homiletical
process. In an attempt to eliminate the effect of communication barriers preachers as well as
hearers should practise their spirituality, help one another to focus on the cross, and listen
positively to the message of the Word.
This study attempted to investigate the attitude of hearers as possible noise (communication
barriers between preacher and hearer) in transferring the message of a sermon. The nature of the
homiletical process was illustrated by means of analysing Luke 8:4-15. In the light of data thus
obtained perspectives on ways to counter act noise in the process of preaching were given. === Thesis (M.A. (Homiletics))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2006.
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