Charles W. Hedrick Libri

Focusing on the original audience's perspective, the author explores how Jesus' parables would have resonated with their first listeners within the context of Israel's self-perceptions. By examining the diverse interpretations from Gospel writers and modern scholars, the book offers fresh insights into the significance of these stories. It stands out in the crowded field of parables research by posing thought-provoking questions and emphasizing the poetic realism of the narratives, ultimately enriching our understanding of their impact on early audiences.

In this splendid introduction to the elusive rhetorical device central to the New Testament picture of Jesus, Charles Hedrick explores the nature of the parable and its history of use. He asks basic questions such as, what is a parable? is Jesus really the author of the parables? and what does a parable mean? and then reviews a range of sources--from Aesop's fables to modern New Testament scholarship--to answer them. He also surveys the various ways the parables have been approached in literary criticism throughout history, giving specific examples of each method and delineating their strengths and weaknesses.

The 'Apocalypse of Adam' features a profound discourse by Adam to his son Seth, revealing insights into creation and the nature of existence. Discovered in the Nag Hammadi library in 1946, this text is the final tractate of Codex V and offers a unique perspective on Gnostic beliefs. The manuscript is preserved in the Coptic Museum in Old Cairo, highlighting its historical and cultural significance within early Christian literature.

The translation offers a contemporary and reader-friendly interpretation of the Gospel of Thomas, moving away from traditional literal translations. It emphasizes the historical context in which these sayings were understood, portraying Jesus not merely as a Jewish figure but as a revelation bearer announcing a transformative faith for a new church era. The commentary enriches the text by situating it within the evolution of early Christian thought, highlighting its radical departure from traditional beliefs while remaining rooted in the complexities of the Coptic language.

Hedrick argues that parables should not be viewed as mere moral or religious teachings but as realistic narrative fictions. He suggests that these stories immerse readers in unique worlds, prompting personal discoveries as they confront and reassess their beliefs. Through this lens, parables serve as a vehicle for self-exploration rather than theological instruction, inviting readers to engage with the narratives on a deeper, more introspective level.

The book delves into the conflict between faith-based views of Jesus and historical scholarship. It examines the methodology of historical inquiry and traces the evolution of scholarly interpretations of Jesus. Key issues are highlighted, including discrepancies and contradictions within the New Testament Gospel accounts, as well as the similarities and differences among various authors. This exploration invites readers to critically engage with the complexities surrounding the figure of Jesus.

Exploring the historical context of Jesus's sayings, this study attempts to present his voice directly, stripped of theological interpretations. It highlights the challenges historians face in distinguishing authentic words from later interpretations. The portrayal that emerges depicts Jesus as a complex, lower-class figure of the first century, whose teachings resonate with secular concerns and everyday life rather than traditional religious themes. By focusing on these sayings, the book invites readers to reconsider the wisdom of Jesus in relation to ancient Israel's sages and early church apostles.

The book explores the decline of traditional religion in America, tracing its roots from the Renaissance and Enlightenment to the present. It highlights how advancements in physical sciences, particularly in the 19th and 20th centuries, have shifted American thought towards reason and scientific reliance, undermining the authority of ancient creeds. The narrative examines the implications of these changes on the practical role of religion in society, noting the pockets of resistance that remain amidst this broader trend.

The book delves into the tension between traditional Christian faith and modern human reasoning, particularly since the Enlightenment. It highlights how the Bible's authority has diminished in the face of historical criticism and secular education, leaving believers struggling to reconcile faith with contemporary questions. Through a collection of concise essays, Charles Hedrick examines this conflict, aiming to address the inadequacies of traditional responses to the challenges posed by an increasingly rational worldview.