Abstract
John Keble's parochial preaching represents the confluence of two major influences: a patristic approach to typology that Keble admired and sought to revive, and the use of imagery and symbol practiced by the Romantic poets. Both of these influences represent an early-nineteenth- century reaction against late eighteenth-century preaching styles and rationalist intellectual movements. But Keble's purpose was not to shape an intellectual movement, but rather to change Christian lives. The influences of Romantic poetry and patristic typology produce in Keble's parochial sermons an everyday sacramental mysticism. He led his congregation to frequently make connections between symbols, not just within scripture, but also in everyday life. In Keble's parochial sermons, these symbolic connections are presented to the congregation as sacramental encounters with God that have both mystical and moral implications. This thesis begins with a study of preaching in a particular historical context and argues that Keble's expansive use of typology that removes symbols from the realm of strict biblical interpretation to make them a means of an encounter with God is of use to modern preachers who wish to guide their congregations to see the God of scripture as an active presence in their lives.
