Reading the Parables: Interpretation: Resources for the Use of Scripture in the Church - Softcover

Lischer, Richard

Softcover

ISBN 10: 066426025X ISBN 13: 9780664260255

Publisher: Westminster John Knox Press, 2014

Synopsis

Parables make up one-third of Jesus' speech in the New Testament. In this volume, Richard Lischer provides an expert guide to these parables and proposes an important distinction between reading and interpreting the parables.

Emphasizing the importance of reading the parables versus interpreting them, Lischer asserts that reading offers a kind of breathing space to explore historical, literary, theological, and socio-political dimensions of the parables and their various meanings, whereas interpreting implies an expert and critical position that must be defended.

In this volume, Lischer lays out four theories for reading parables: 1) parables obscure truth; 2) parables teach many truths; 3) parables teach one truth; and 4) parables undermine the truth. Ultimately, he concludes that biblical parables undermine dominant myths called "the truth" to shine light on the Truth that is Jesus, God's presence with us.

About this title

Book Description:

Key Selling Points:

• Expert guide to Jesus' parables and their centrality in Gospel literature
  
  
• Special attention to how to preach the parables
  
  
• Acclaimed and popular writer
  
  

About the Author:

Richard Lischer is James T. and Alice Mead Cleland Professor of Preaching at Duke Divinity
School. He is the author of several books, including Open Secrets: A Memoir of Faith and
Discovery and Stations of the Heart: Parting with a Son.

About this edition

• Publisher: Westminster John Knox Press
• Publication date: 2014
• ISBN 10: 066426025X
• ISBN 13: 9780664260255
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 208