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Reading Mark: Engaging the Gospel
A renowned scholar on the Gospel of Mark, Rhoads utilizes a variety of methods to plumb the depths of this earliest story of Jesus. From new forms of literary criticism, social-scientific explorations, and reader-response criticism, Rhoads brings fresh insights to Gospel studies.
288 pages, Paperback
First published September 5, 2000
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September 19, 2015
Author David Rhoads presents an interesting view of the Gospel of Mark from the perspective of an unfolding drama. This drama found in the Gospel of Mark comes complete with a setting, the characters, and a plot. Using the practice of both literary and narrative criticism, the author helped bring new insight into the Gospel of Mark.
The first couple of chapters are dedicated to the introduction of narrative criticism. Rhoads introduces its methods and defines the various terminology used in this form of literary criticism. Disciplines such as: Ancient narrative, genre criticism, orality criticism, and social science criticism, just to name a few. The next few chapters, Rhoads applies these methods to the narrative of the Gospel of Mark where we see a true drama unfolding, with chapter titles such as: “Jesus and the Syrophoenician Woman”; “Network for Mission: The Social System of the Jesus Movement in Mark”; and “Crossing Boundaries: Purity and Defilement”. In chapter 7, Rhoads explains how he has set to memory the entire Gospel of Mark and has performed this Gospel in front of numerous audiences, which he allows participation from as well. In the final chapter, "The Ethics of Reading Mark as Narrative," Rhoads urges us to be aware that all interpretations of this Gospel are "relative” and that the interpreter has an obligation to read responsibly, with a view towards reading and proclaiming the text in ways that help bring life to those who are spiritually dead. Furthermore, he advocates reading with others, particularly those from different races, cultures, and genders other than our own.
In summary, it was an insightful book to read, challenging, and at times difficult to understand. Nevertheless, it told the Gospel of Mark from a completely different perspective that I, and would assume many others, have never heard before. For me personally, it helped convict me of the importance of memorizing Scripture.
The first couple of chapters are dedicated to the introduction of narrative criticism. Rhoads introduces its methods and defines the various terminology used in this form of literary criticism. Disciplines such as: Ancient narrative, genre criticism, orality criticism, and social science criticism, just to name a few. The next few chapters, Rhoads applies these methods to the narrative of the Gospel of Mark where we see a true drama unfolding, with chapter titles such as: “Jesus and the Syrophoenician Woman”; “Network for Mission: The Social System of the Jesus Movement in Mark”; and “Crossing Boundaries: Purity and Defilement”. In chapter 7, Rhoads explains how he has set to memory the entire Gospel of Mark and has performed this Gospel in front of numerous audiences, which he allows participation from as well. In the final chapter, "The Ethics of Reading Mark as Narrative," Rhoads urges us to be aware that all interpretations of this Gospel are "relative” and that the interpreter has an obligation to read responsibly, with a view towards reading and proclaiming the text in ways that help bring life to those who are spiritually dead. Furthermore, he advocates reading with others, particularly those from different races, cultures, and genders other than our own.
In summary, it was an insightful book to read, challenging, and at times difficult to understand. Nevertheless, it told the Gospel of Mark from a completely different perspective that I, and would assume many others, have never heard before. For me personally, it helped convict me of the importance of memorizing Scripture.
Displaying 1 of 1 review