A Model for Looking Deeply and Deeply Looking

by Godfrey J. Ellis

Overview

Review of Peter J. Williams, The Surprising Genius of Jesus: What the Gospels Reveal About the Greatest Teacher (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2023). 113 pages, $14.59 (paperback).

Abstract: Peter Williams, an independent biblical scholar, has written an analysis of the parable of the prodigal son in a fascinating attempt to demonstrate two truths. The first is that one of the most overlooked attributes of the Savior is his brilliant and analytical mind. In the process, Williams reveals many intricacies hidden in the parable. He also reminds readers of the role of the Old Testament in the understanding and appreciation of the teachings of Jesus. These contributions, by themselves, demonstrate the value of the book. The second truth is that Jesus, himself, and not the gospel writers or the Apostle Paul, was the source of his teachings. However, an even greater value (and a third truth, if you will) may be a powerful demonstration of the process of looking deeply at scripture to uncover and "see" easily missed insights.

Product Details

BN ID:	2940186194415
Publisher:	Interpreter Foundation
Publication date:	09/19/2024
Series:	Interpreter: A Journal of Latter-day Saint Faith and Scholarship , #62
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	346 KB

About the Author

Godfrey J. Ellis is a retired professor of psychology. At retirement he was serving as the director of the master’s program in Counseling Psychology and the chair of the Department of Leadership and Counseling Psychology at a university in western Washington. After earning his BA in French and MA in Family Relations from Brigham Young University, he completed his PhD in Family Sociology and Social Psychology from Washington State University. He worked as a professor of Family Relations or Psychology for more than 41 years and as a marriage and family therapist in private practice for 34 years. He was born in England, raised in Canada and the United States, served a mission in France, and has taught in China. Ellis has published in the Ensign magazine (now Liahona), BYU Studies, and Interpreter: A Journal of Latter-day Saint Faith and Scholarship. He currently serves as an Executive Editor of the Interpreter Foundation journal. He enjoys painting acrylic portraits of friends, missionaries, and family (see GodfreyEllisArt.com). He and his wife are blessed with four sons and daughters-in-law, fourteen grandchildren, four grandchildren-in-law, and three great-grandchildren.