Shlog Section-f

I was at a church a few months back and heard a shady interpretation of one of Jesus’ parables.  I knew I didn’t agree with what the guy said Jesus was trying to tell us with his story, but I also didn’t know what I thought it meant.  So I went looking for answers and found a lot of people referencing a book called The Parables: Jewish Tradition and Christian Interpretation by Brad Young.

It might be the most boring thing I’ve ever read.  Brad repeats himself a lot; so much that every paragraph could be half as long.  (And this is me, the master of long-windedness, talking.) BUT, the information in the book is great.  (Which has me wondering what you think makes a book “good.” Guess it depends on why I’m reading it.)

I like this book, even though its not concise or all that well organized, because it says things I need to know.  It completely changes the way I read the parables of Jesus.  Understanding the Jewish culture Jesus came from and spoke to has given me new insight into these odd little stories of his.  It changes the way I see God.  And that changes everything.

I recommend it if you’ve tried to understand a parable and got stuck or are just interested in understanding Jesus’ Jewishness better.  I don’t recommend it if you’re into creative writing or getting to the point in a hurry.

I’m looking for something else on the subject of parables to read - cuz I guess I’m officially a nerd.  Any suggestions?

Shaun Groves - 07 December 2006 10:06 AM

I recommend it if you’ve tried to understand a parable and got stuck or are just interested in understanding Jesus’ Jewishness better.  I don’t recommend it if you’re into creative writing or getting to the point in a hurry.

LOL!! 

I will check out this book because I am often frustrated by own lack of understanding of Biblical times. Thanks for the recommendation.

Being in Life and Revelation of Christ this year was an experience. Coolest thing I learned this semester was that the fig tree *yes it’s got a point* that Jesus was going to eat off of the one he cursed and it withered the next day. Ya know the story I’m talking about. The fig tree had leaves on it and the even though there were no figs to be eatten there is apparently this little fruit that comes out before the figs that you can eat and they are only on there when the tree has leaves. Therefore, the tree was giving false signs of being able to nurture a hungry person. Turn around apply that to every day life. Amazing stuff. The book we used was by Gundry. New Testament something or other. Intresting stuff and totally can’t wait to use it again for Early Church history. I am totally excited about that!!

Amy,

who was your prof for Life and Rev?

Jenks