Ministers of a New Medium

What spiritual revival came with the radio? In Ministers of a New Medium, Kirk D. Farney tells the compelling story of broadcasting theology in the radio ministries of Fulton J. Sheen and Walter A. Maier.

Radio Pulpits

Sheen, a Catholic priest, and Maier, a Lutheran minister, were pioneers in the radio pulpits during the 1920s. Farney did an excellent job of transporting me back in time to feel the excitement and sense the opportunities that came with the new technology of radio.

Farney gives biographical sketches of the two broadcasters. I was interested to see that they did not jump into fame. Rather, they were already gifted preachers and public speakers – and the times presented a perfect storm for their rise in popularity.

The reach of public radio is fascinating to read about, and I learned about the history of religious programming alongside network access. Raising funds was especially difficult in the aftermath of the first World War and during The Great Depression. However, the intimate nature of listening and the ubiquity of radio in homes – as well as the relationships it fostered in community – provided a personal connection and commitment amongst the audience.

Technology for the Spread of the Gospel

I was fascinated to see how Farney described the unique oratory skillsets of Sheen and Maier. For Sheen, his style was to simply get the idea across the airwaves. Sincerity and conviction came across as he spoke his own words. While Sheen found subtle ways to convey emotion, Maier’s was “breathlessly energetic and relentless.” He was animated in front of the microphone. While urgent and intense, he remained eloquent. Their oratorial skills were quite natural, yet they both prepared their content diligently behind the scenes.

There are several themes that Farney found in studying the sermons of Sheen and Maier. First, there was the importance of godly living. Second, there was prophecy to the nations and engagement with the times. Third, there was Christian common ground keeping Lutheran and Catholic touchpoints.

Deeply fascinating and strikingly profound, this book is a brilliant account to the times of radio broadcasting. I am inspired to use technology for the spread of the Gospel and the glory of God. And I am convinced that the Word of God must be proclaimed – for how shall they hear without a preacher?

I received a media copy of Ministers of a New Medium and this is my honest review. Find more of my book reviews and follow Dive In, Dig Deep on Instagram - my account dedicated to Bibles and books to see the beauty of the Bible and the role of reading in the Christian life. To read all of my book reviews and to receive all of the free eBooks I find on the web, subscribe to my free newsletter.