If sermons were conducted like talk shows, would people stay up, pay attention, and fell connected?

Question

This thought occurred to me as I read a book about interfatih connectinos to Abraham... anyway, the statement made was from a Jewish man, who may not have attended a Muslim sermon, but was sure that the imam put people to sleep- the same way that my Christian background taught me the priest always did.
What if all leaders, across the board, INVOLVED the people, in persoanl dialogue, righ there in the houses of worship?
OK, so there are some people who choose their own discussion groups, and as I'm learning, Jews are encouraged to participate in Misrath, the interpretation of text into relevant times...
but these events happen OUTSIDE of the sermons I know of, and leave involvement to choice.
People slip through the cracks, no?
Can we bring people in? Who cares which tradition- can we revitalize spirituality and relevance in our own lives? To metaphor, etc.
And, are Unitarian services liek this? I have a vague idea that they are...

Answer 1

I'd go to a Church like that! However, if you want discussion, take a Religion class, or join a small group in your church/synagogue/etc. Also, the pastor should be open to discussing sermons after church, or having questions emailed to him/her, etc.

It's all about good hermeneutics. A good sermon should last no more than 15 minutes. But if the pastor can keep your attention, and makes it entertaining, a longer sermon is not bad. I'm a big fan of Lon Solomon's sermons at McLean Bible Church in DC. See his website in my sources. His sermons are 30 minutes, but you feel more like you're learning than being preached to. Listen to his testimony, it's a great listen!

Answer 2

That's what Sunday School and Bible study is for. We give our input and we learn a lot.