The Danger of a Therapeutic Gospel: When ‘Slowing Down’ Replaces the Cross
The sermon is a thematically-driven, topical message centered on the therapeutic benefit of 'slowing down' to experience God's presence. While well-intentioned, it falls into the category of Pretextual preaching, using biblical narratives like the Transfiguration not for their theological substance but as illustrations for a pre-determined, anthropocentric theme. The message fails to expound on the Christological glory revealed in the text, focusing instead on the disciples' flawed reaction. This results in a sermon that offers a form of spiritual self-help rather than a robust, text-driven proclamation of the Gospel, reflecting a Laodicean tendency toward spiritual comfort over theological depth.