Recommended Books on the Parables of Jesus

MGVHoffman

The books below are ones I recommend for the study of the Parables of Jesus. It's still only a partially developed web site, but for more information on the parables, check The Parables of Jesus. (All links are my Amazon associate links.)

·         Snodgrass, Klyne R. 2018. Stories with Intent: A Comprehensive Guide to the Parables of Jesus. 2nd edition. S.l.: Eerdmans.  ISBN-13 : 978-0802875693
This book is primarily intended as providing reference and background. You will not be expected to read the wholebook, but it does provide the resources we will use in discussing any particular parable.

·         Gowler, David B. 2000. What Are They Saying about the Parables? Paulist Press. ISBN: 978-08091-4445-7
Though a bit dated now, this books still is helpful for drawing attention to the key issues involved with reading andunderstanding Jesus’ parables.

·         Buttrick, David. 2000. Speaking Parables: A Homiletic Guide. Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox. ISBN-13: 978-0664221911
A fine introduction to the parables with attention to how one might go about preaching them.

·         Capon, Robert Farrar. 2002. Kingdom, Grace, Judgment: Paradox, Outrage, and Vindication in the Parables of Jesus. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans. ISBN: 9780802839497
This is one of my favorites. You may not always agree with Capon, but you will always be provoked to think about theparables in new and intriguing ways. When I need a sermon spark, Capon can usually help. When I posted this (2021.01.18), this book is only $4.99 on Kindle.Just get it!

·         Eck, Ernest van, and John S. Kloppenborg. 2016. The Parables of Jesus the Galilean: Stories of a Social Prophet. Eugene, OR: Cascade Books. ISBN: 978-1-4982-3370-5
Special attention is paid to social-scientific insights.

·         Ford, Richard Q. 2016. The Parables of Jesus and the Problems of the World: How Ancient Narratives Comprehend Modern Malaise. Eugene, Oregon: Cascade Books. ISBN: 1498232973

·         Gowler, David B. 2017. The Parables after Jesus: Their Imaginative Receptions across Two Millennia. Baker Academic.
A fascinating history of the interpretation of the parables.

·         Herzog II, William R. 1994. Parables as Subversive Speech: Jesus as Pedagogue of the Oppressed. Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox. ISBN: 0664253555
As the title suggests, a socio-historical reading from a liberation theology perspective.

·         Levine, Amy-Jill. 2014. Short Stories by Jesus: The Enigmatic Parables of a Controversial Rabbi. San Francisco: HarperOne. ISBN-13: 978-0061561030
Levine is a Jewish scholar who brings an awareness of Jewish background to the readings of the parables. This book has become a favorite in church adult Bible study classes. I don’t always agree with her, but she always has something interesting to add to the discussion.

·         Schottroff, Luise. The Parables of Jesus. Linda M. Maloney (Translator). 2006.  Minneapolis: Fortress. ISBN: 0800636996
Attends to social history, Jewish tradition, and feminist/liberationist perspectives

·         Scott, Bernard Brandon. 2001. Re-Imagine the World: An Introduction to the Parables of Jesus. Santa Rosa, CA: Polebridge. ISBN: 0944344860
This is a condensed and less technical version of his classic book in the field, Hear Then the Parable, which was groundbreaking in including social-scientific and socio-historical insights.

·         Thurman, Howard. 2018. Howard Thurman: Sermons on the Parables. Edited by David B. Gowler and Kipton E. Jensen. Maryknoll, NY: ORBIS.
A collection of Thurman’s inspiring sermons on the parables sharing his wisdom and insight.

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