John, Jesus, and the renewal of Israel
Book Description
Richard A. Horsley and Tom Thatcher present a fresh perspective on the Gospel of John that challenges conventional spiritual readings of this ancient text. Rather than viewing John's Gospel primarily through a mystical lens, the authors reveal how it depicts Jesus as an active agent of social and spiritual transformation within the complex world of Roman-occupied Palestine.
This groundbreaking study examines John's narrative through two interconnected frameworks: the historical realities of first-century Palestine and the oral communication culture that shaped how stories were told and received in the ancient world. By understanding the Gospel as a story meant to be heard and performed rather than silently read, Horsley and Thatcher uncover layers of meaning that speak to both personal renewal and community resistance.
The authors trace the central conflicts woven throughout John's account, demonstrating how Jesus emerges not merely as a spiritual teacher but as a prophetic figure calling for concrete renewal of Israel. This approach bridges the gap between historical Jesus scholarship and ancient media studies, offering readers a more complete understanding of how early Christian communities might have experienced and interpreted this powerful narrative.
For those seeking to deepen their understanding of Christian origins and the transformative message at the heart of John's Gospel, this work provides valuable insights into the intersection of spirituality and social change in the ancient world.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~6 hours)
📄 Length: 201 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore Criticism, interpretation
- ✓ Explore Historicity
- ✓ Study Bible from spiritual perspective
- ✓ Explore Historicity of Jesus Christ
- ✓ Explore History of doctrines
- ✓ Explore Bible, criticism, interpretation, etc., n. t. gospels
- ✓ Explore Jews, history, 168 b.c-135 a.d.
- ✓ Explore Doctrinal Theology
