Scandal of the Gospels, The
Book Description
The figure of Jesus presented in the gospels carries a profound challenge that many readers and scholars have worked to soften or explain away over the centuries. This thoughtful exploration reveals how the original Greek concept of "skandalon" - meaning stumbling block or offense - lies at the very heart of the gospel message, particularly within Jesus's parables.
Drawing on the philosophical insights of Søren Kierkegaard, known for his deep understanding of spiritual offense, the author demonstrates how interpreters have consistently attempted to domesticate the radical nature of Jesus's teachings. Rather than smoothing over the difficult passages, this work invites readers to encounter the authentic scandal that Jesus represented to his original audience.
The book focuses particularly on the parables, examining how these seemingly simple stories actually function as profound challenges to conventional thinking and comfortable faith. Through careful analysis of Matthew's narrative structure and the Gospel of John, readers discover how the evangelists themselves understood Jesus as a figure who would inevitably provoke strong reactions.
By incorporating perspectives from both Kierkegaard and literary theorist Bakhtin, this study offers fresh insights into why the gospels remain so compelling yet unsettling. For those seeking to deepen their understanding of Christian texts beyond surface interpretations, this work provides a pathway to encountering the transformative power that lies within the original offense of the gospel message.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~6 hours)
📄 Length: 204 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Study Bible from spiritual perspective
- ✓ Explore Scandal
- ✓ Explore Paraboles
- ✓ Explore Biblical teaching
- ✓ Explore Bible
- ✓ Explore Critique narrative
- ✓ Explore Et la doctrine du péché
- ✓ Explore Person and offices
