Sermons in literature serve a powerful purpose. They convey moral lessons, challenge beliefs, and reveal deeper truths about human nature. Authors use sermons to explore faith, justice, sin, and redemption. Some sermons uplift, while others warn of consequences. They can shape characters, drive plots, and reflect historical or cultural concerns.
From classic religious texts to modern fiction, sermons provide insight into human struggles and spiritual journeys. Whether drawn from scripture or original compositions, they leave a lasting impact. Understanding these sermons helps readers see how literature uses faith-based discourse to provoke thought and inspire change.
Understanding Sermons in Literature
A sermon in literature is a speech or discourse that delivers a moral, spiritual, or philosophical message. It often takes the form of a preacher’s address, a reflective monologue, or a direct appeal to an audience. Writers use sermons to express moral convictions, challenge societal norms, or highlight struggles of faith.
Historically, sermons in literature have served as tools for social and religious commentary. Medieval texts used them to reinforce Christian teachings. Later works questioned religious institutions or explored personal faith. Sermons can inspire, convict, or warn, making them a compelling narrative device across different literary traditions.
10 Examples of Sermons in Literature and Their Messages
#1. “The Good Samaritan” in Luke’s Gospel (Bible)
This sermon, spoken by Jesus in the Gospel of Luke, is one of the most well-known parables in the Bible. A lawyer asks Jesus, “Who is my neighbor?” In response, Jesus tells the story of a man who is attacked by robbers and left half-dead on the road. A priest and a Levite, both religious figures, see the injured man but pass by without helping. Finally, a Samaritan—belonging to a group despised by Jews—stops to care for him. He bandages his wounds, takes him to an inn, and pays for his recovery. The parable’s unexpected twist challenges cultural prejudices of the time.
Jesus then asks, “Who was a neighbor to the man?” The lawyer responds, “The one who showed mercy.” Jesus affirms this answer and commands, “Go and do likewise.” This sermon redefines the concept of neighborly love. It teaches that love is not based on nationality, status, or religion but on actions. The priest and Levite, though religious, failed in their duty. The Samaritan, an outsider, demonstrated true righteousness. This radical teaching overturned societal norms and emphasized that faith is lived out through acts of compassion.
The lesson remains relevant today. People often draw lines based on race, class, or belief systems. This sermon challenges those divisions and calls for selfless love and mercy. It reminds readers that true faith is not about titles or rituals but about genuine care for others. The Good Samaritan sets an example of love in action, making this one of the most profound sermons in literature.
#2. “The Sermon of the Seven Deadly Sins” in Piers Plowman by William Langland
In this 14th-century allegorical poem, William Langland presents a sermon that personifies the Seven Deadly Sins. Each sin—Pride, Envy, Wrath, Sloth, Avarice, Gluttony, and Lust—steps forward and confesses its corruption. These confessions reveal how sin affects both individuals and society. Through this sermon, Langland critiques the moral decay of medieval England. He highlights how greed and hypocrisy have infiltrated the church and government, leading to widespread suffering. The sermon serves as both a spiritual warning and a social commentary.
Repentance plays a central role in this passage. After hearing the sins speak, the character of Repentance calls for people to turn away from their wickedness and seek forgiveness. Unlike other medieval texts that focus only on punishment, Piers Plowman offers hope. The sermon suggests that while sin is powerful, redemption is possible. Langland emphasizes the need for sincere repentance, not just empty religious observance. He warns that true salvation requires a transformation of the heart.
This sermon’s impact goes beyond medieval literature. It remains relevant in discussions about morality, justice, and personal integrity. Langland’s critique of corruption in religious and political institutions still resonates today. His sermon challenges readers to examine their own lives and consider whether they are truly living according to their values. The message is clear: acknowledging sin is not enough—one must actively seek change.
#3. “The Fire Sermon” by T.S. Eliot
T.S. Eliot’s The Waste Land is one of the most influential poems of the 20th century, and “The Fire Sermon” is its central spiritual discourse. The title is taken from a Buddhist teaching where the Buddha speaks of the world being consumed by fire—representing desire, suffering, and attachment. Eliot blends this Eastern philosophy with Christian themes to critique modern civilization. He describes a world burning with lust, greed, and disillusionment, where people are spiritually empty. The sermon serves as both an observation of societal decay and a call for renewal.
Eliot’s sermon presents fire as both destruction and purification. The world is consumed by passions that lead to emptiness, yet fire also symbolizes the possibility of transformation. The poem suggests that people must undergo suffering before they can find meaning. By combining religious traditions, Eliot highlights the universal struggle of the human soul. Whether through Christian repentance or Buddhist detachment, salvation requires a turning away from corrupt desires.
This sermon’s significance lies in its modern application. Eliot saw the post-World War I world as lost and spiritually bankrupt. His sermon urges readers to acknowledge their inner emptiness and seek renewal. The Fire Sermon remains powerful because it does not offer easy answers. Instead, it forces readers to confront the consequences of their desires and consider what true spiritual fulfillment might look like.
#4. “The Salvation of the Soul” in The Divine Comedy by Dante Alighieri
Dante’s The Divine Comedy is filled with sermons, but those in Purgatorio and Paradiso focus on the salvation of the soul. Throughout his journey, Dante encounters preachers and teachers who explain the path to redemption. In Purgatorio, souls are being purified, and they hear sermons on the need for repentance, humility, and divine grace. These sermons reinforce the idea that salvation is a process requiring both divine mercy and personal effort.
One of the key sermons in Paradiso emphasizes the role of faith and reason. Dante speaks with figures like St. Thomas Aquinas, who explain that true wisdom comes from aligning human understanding with divine truth. The sermon suggests that salvation is not about blind belief but about seeking knowledge in harmony with faith. Dante’s work presents a structured view of the afterlife where each soul’s journey is determined by its choices on earth.
This sermon’s impact is profound because it connects theology with personal transformation. Dante’s journey is not just a vision of the afterlife but a lesson on living righteously. The sermons in The Divine Comedy challenge readers to reflect on their own spiritual paths. They teach that salvation is both a gift and a responsibility. Through poetic imagery and theological depth, Dante’s sermons continue to inspire readers to seek a life of virtue.
#5. “Preaching the Word” by John Wesley
John Wesley’s sermons, including Preaching the Word, played a crucial role in shaping the Methodist movement. Unlike traditional church sermons that focused on ritual and doctrine, Wesley emphasized personal faith and active service. His sermon stresses that Christianity is not just about attending church but about living out the gospel daily. He calls believers to read the Bible, share their faith, and care for those in need. His message is practical, urging people to put their faith into action.
One of Wesley’s key themes is grace. He teaches that salvation comes through faith in Christ but is demonstrated through a transformed life. His sermon warns against empty religion—practicing faith without true commitment. He challenges Christians to seek personal holiness and to engage in works of mercy. This emphasis on both faith and action influenced social movements, including abolitionism and labor rights. Wesley’s message shaped the moral conscience of his time and continues to impact Christian thought.
This sermon remains relevant because it speaks to the tension between belief and practice. Many people claim faith but struggle to live it out. Wesley’s call to active Christianity challenges modern readers to examine their own lives. His sermon is a reminder that faith is not just a private matter but a force for change in the world. Through his passionate preaching, Wesley left a legacy that continues to shape religious and literary discussions today.
#6. “The Prophet” by Kahlil Gibran
Kahlil Gibran’s The Prophet is a collection of poetic sermons delivered by Almustafa, a wise and compassionate teacher. Each sermon addresses fundamental aspects of life, such as love, work, freedom, and death. Gibran blends Eastern philosophy, Christian mysticism, and poetic imagery to create a deeply reflective discourse. The sermons are not rigid doctrinal teachings but spiritual insights meant to guide readers toward self-discovery and harmony.
One of the most powerful sermons is on love. Almustafa teaches that love is both joyful and painful, requiring surrender and transformation. He describes love as a force that carves the soul, refining it through suffering and devotion. This sermon challenges the common notion of love as purely blissful. Instead, Gibran presents love as a sacred but demanding journey. His poetic approach makes the message deeply personal and universal at the same time.
The impact of The Prophet lies in its timeless wisdom. Unlike traditional sermons, which often focus on religious instruction, Gibran’s approach is more philosophical and introspective. His sermons invite readers to seek truth within themselves. The Prophet remains one of the most widely read spiritual books, proving that literary sermons can inspire across cultures and generations.
#7. “The Duty of the Christian” in Les Misérables by Victor Hugo
In Les Misérables, Bishop Myriel delivers a sermon not from a pulpit but through his actions. His kindness toward Jean Valjean, a hardened convict, serves as a living sermon on grace and forgiveness. After Valjean steals from him, the bishop does something extraordinary—he forgives him and gives him even more silver. He tells Valjean to use it to become an honest man, saying that he has bought his soul for God. This act of mercy transforms Valjean’s life.
Bishop Myriel’s sermon is not a formal speech, but its impact is profound. It embodies the Christian duty to extend grace, even to those who least deserve it. Hugo uses this moment to highlight the power of redemption. Valjean, inspired by the bishop’s kindness, spends the rest of his life striving to be righteous. The sermon teaches that true Christianity is not about judgment but about lifting others up.
This sermon remains one of the most powerful moments in literature. It demonstrates that actions often speak louder than words. By portraying faith in practice rather than doctrine, Hugo challenges readers to reflect on their own capacity for mercy. The bishop’s lesson is simple but radical: love can change lives.
#8. “The Sermon on the Mount” in The Last Temptation of Christ by Nikos Kazantzakis
Kazantzakis’ The Last Temptation of Christ presents a deeply human portrayal of Jesus, struggling with doubt and temptation. In this novel, the Sermon on the Mount is not just a set of teachings but a moment of revelation for Jesus himself. As he preaches, he wrestles with his own fears, making the sermon even more compelling.
The Sermon on the Mount, as presented by Kazantzakis, emphasizes radical love, humility, and justice. Jesus calls for a new way of living—one that defies worldly power and embraces the poor and the persecuted. He teaches that true strength lies in meekness, that those who mourn will be comforted, and that peacemakers will be called children of God. The novel’s depiction of this sermon highlights the cost of following such teachings in a world driven by power and violence.
Kazantzakis’ interpretation adds depth to Jesus’ words by showing his internal struggle. His Jesus is not a distant figure but one who feels fear and pain yet chooses obedience to God’s will. This version of the Sermon on the Mount makes readers consider the human side of faith. It presents belief not as something easy but as a courageous commitment.
#9. “A Man’s Life Is but a Vapor” in Moby-Dick by Herman Melville
In Moby-Dick, Father Mapple delivers a sermon that sets the tone for the novel’s exploration of fate, justice, and divine will. Preaching from a pulpit shaped like a ship’s prow, Mapple recounts the biblical story of Jonah. He warns that defying God leads to suffering and that true redemption requires submission to His will. His message is clear: human pride and rebellion bring destruction, while obedience leads to salvation.
Father Mapple’s sermon is filled with maritime imagery, reinforcing the idea that life is like a voyage—uncertain, dangerous, and ultimately in God’s hands. He speaks of the insignificance of man before the vastness of the sea and the divine. His words foreshadow the fate of Captain Ahab, who, like Jonah, defies God but refuses to repent. However, unlike Jonah, Ahab’s rebellion leads to his doom.
This sermon is more than a retelling of scripture; it is a meditation on destiny and free will. It forces readers to confront their own defiance or submission to life’s greater forces. Through Mapple, Melville presents a sermon that resonates beyond religion—it speaks to the universal struggle between control and surrender.
#10. “The Preacher’s Sermon” in The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky
In Dostoevsky’s The Brothers Karamazov, the monk Zosima delivers a sermon that stands at the heart of the novel’s moral and spiritual themes. His sermon emphasizes love, humility, and the interconnectedness of all people. He teaches that true faith is found in selfless service and that every person is responsible for the sins of humanity. His message counters the cynicism and despair that pervade the novel.
Zosima’s sermon is deeply personal. He speaks of his own experiences, his struggles with pride, and his journey toward faith. He urges his listeners to love without condition, arguing that true Christianity is not found in rigid doctrine but in compassionate action. His words contrast sharply with the nihilism of other characters, particularly Ivan Karamazov, who rejects the idea of a just and loving God.
This sermon is one of the most profound in literature because it does not offer easy answers. Dostoevsky uses Zosima’s words to challenge readers to confront their own beliefs. His message is not about theological argument but about living a life of love and humility. In a world filled with suffering, Zosima calls for radical faith—one that embraces both the burdens and joys of existence.
Closing Thoughts
Sermons in literature are more than just religious speeches. They shape characters, drive narratives, and challenge readers to reflect on moral and spiritual truths. Whether drawn from scripture, personal conviction, or philosophical insight, these sermons leave a lasting impact. They explore themes of redemption, justice, love, and the struggle between faith and doubt.
Each sermon discussed here serves a distinct purpose. Some warn of judgment, while others offer grace. Some inspire change, while others expose hypocrisy. What they all share is the power to provoke thought and stir the soul. Their messages remain relevant, speaking to timeless human concerns.
Understanding these sermons deepens our appreciation of literature. They remind us that great stories do more than entertain—they ask us to wrestle with deeper questions of meaning, purpose, and faith. Whether religious or not, every reader can find wisdom in these sermons. They challenge us to live with greater awareness, compassion, and conviction.