Based on several years of teaching and careful observation in preaching classes, this book by Michael Brothers explores the benefits of "e;distance"e; in preaching -- and listening to -- sermons.Having noticed that sermon listeners generally want to be given room for their own interpretations and experiences, Brothers argues that critical and aesthetic distance as a hermeneutical tool is vital to hearing the gospel today and should be intentionally employed in sermon construction and delivery. He explains this "e;distance"e; in the field of homiletics, equips teachers and students of preaching to evaluate the function of distance in sermons, and encourages preachers to practice the use of distance in their preaching.