Dining with John
Book Description
In "Dining with John," Esther Kobel invites readers on a fascinating exploration of how shared meals carried profound spiritual meaning in early Christian communities. Through careful examination of the Gospel of John, this scholarly work reveals how ordinary acts of eating and drinking became extraordinary expressions of faith and community identity.
Kobel demonstrates that when the Johannine community gathered around tables, they were participating in something far more significant than physical nourishment. The food and drink shared during these communal meals served as powerful symbols that shaped their understanding of spiritual life and divine connection. By analyzing the rich metaphorical language surrounding meals in John's Gospel, the author uncovers layers of meaning that transformed simple dining into sacred experience.
Using a socio-rhetorical approach, this study bridges the gap between ancient text and historical context, offering insights into how these meal practices influenced the formation of early Christian identity. Kobel's research provides a unique lens for understanding the demographic makeup and social dynamics of the Johannine community, showing how shared dining experiences helped define who they were as a spiritual collective.
For readers interested in the intersection of spirituality and daily life, this work illuminates how ordinary activities can become vehicles for deeper meaning and community connection. The book offers valuable perspectives on how ritual meals continue to shape religious identity and spiritual practice.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~10 hours)
📄 Length: 370 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Study Bible from spiritual perspective
- ✓ Explore Sozialgeschichtliche Exegese
- ✓ Explore Mahlzeit
- ✓ Explore Mat i Bibeln
- ✓ Explore Bible, criticism, interpretation, etc., n. t. gospels
- ✓ Explore Identification (Religion)
- ✓ Explore Bible
- ✓ Explore Bibeln
