Discourse Quote by Harvey Cox
“Sermons remain one of the last forms of public discourse where it is culturally forbidden to talk back.”
About This Quote
Source Book: “The Secular City,” 1965
Sermons persist as rare public forums where dissent is socially discouraged.
In simple terms: Sermons are a dwindling space for open dialogue.
Key Takeaway
Protect and revitalize open public discourse.
Themes
speech
public discourse
culture
Mood
thoughtful
critical
Type
philosophical
observational
When to use this quote
- academic conferences
- community meetings
- media panels
- political debates
Key Concepts
sociology
media studies
freedom of expression
Questions to Reflect On
- What venues can host honest debate today?
- How can we encourage respectful dissent?
A Different Perspective
Modern platforms may replace traditional sermons.
![“That is another theme in the book [Dreams from My Father]. How do we exercise more empathy in our public discourse? How do we get the black to see through the eyes of the white? Or the citizen to see through the eyes of the immigrant? Or the straight to see through the eyes of the gay? That has…” quote by Barack Obama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/00d/barack-obama-17_black_that-is-another-theme-in-the-book-dreams_10185.jpg)
![“Sweet discourse makes short daies and nights. [Sweet discourse makes short days and nights.]” quote by George Herbert](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/b33/george-herbert-107_day-and-night_sweet-discourse-makes-short-daies-and-ni_63778.jpg)