Jesus and His Enemies: Narrative Conflict in the Four Gospels

by Robert R. Beck

Overview

In narrative analysis, the message expressed in each of the four gospels is conveyed not just through Jesus’ teachings or particu­lar stories but through the overall narrative itself—particularly through the introduction and resolution of conflict. Through dramatic narrative the evangelists show Christians how they are to act in situations of conflict without abandoning the demands of love. As Robert Beck reflects, “This is the real test of the command to love one another, which finds its most exacting demand when we are in firm opposition.” The Gospels have much to say about this, though the answers are found in a place we seldom look: in the qualities of dramatic narrative itself. Jesus and His Enemies offers a fresh contribution to biblical teaching on violence, ethics, and the Christian pursuit of peace.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781608337088
Publisher:	Orbis
Publication date:	12/14/2017
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	1 MB

About the Author

Robert R. Beck is a Catholic priest and Professor Emeritus of Religious Studies at Loras College, Dubuque, IA. He is the author of Nonviolent Story: Narrative Conflict Resolution in the Gospel of Mark.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments vii

Prologue: In the Grip of a Narrative ix

1 Reading the Gospels 1

New Perspectives 2

Postcolonialism 5

Conflict in The Gospels 13

The Following Chapters 27

2 Mark 31

Mark's Project: The Resistance Campaign 31

Mark's Story: The People's Messiah 46

Conflict Resolution in Mark 66

Resistance as Nonviolent Action 73

3 Matthew 77

Matthew's Project: The Return of the Kingship 78

Matthew's Story: Reimagining the Messiah 88

Conflict Resolution in Matthew 103

Resistance as Non-retaliation 113

4 Luke-Acts 119

Luke's Project: A Path to the Gentiles 119

Luke's Story: Opening a Route to the God-fearers 135

Conflict Resolution in Luke-Acts 168

Resistance as Lifestyle 177

5 John 181

John's Project: The Story of the Word 183

John's Story: Jesus of Nazareth 193

Conflict Resolution in John 208

Resistance as Love 221

6 Narrative Conflict in the Gospels 223

Counter-Narratives and the Accused Woman 223

In the End … 227

Index 229