Wilson L. Deaton
28th June 2006, 10:27 PM (22:27)
McClaren, Brian D. The Secret Message of Jesus--Uncovering the Truth that Could Change Everything.
An excellent eye-opening book!
If this were a novel I would warn you that reading this will give some things away. It’s not a novel so that shouldn’t matter but if you want to be surprised by the “secret” message then simply note that I very highly recommend this book and discontinue reading. If you don’t mind knowing the “secret” then read on...
McClaren’s overall thesis is that Jesus’ message about the Kingdom of God has more to do with the present that it does the afterlife. (The afterlife is included but not primary.) He says we need to take statements like, “the kingdom is at hand,” or, “the kingdom is in your midst,” much more seriously.
He offers an interesting explanation as to why Jesus so often taught with parables. He says that by the nature of the message it was the best (necessary) means to use. For example, the goal of the message is an interactive relationship with God. The parables require the interested listener to engage further while the uninterested can shrug it off….
The entire book was good I especially enjoyed two chapters. I think these two chapters make the book worth owning all by themselves.
Chapter 14 is titled, “Kingdom Manifesto.” The chapter is a study of the Sermon on the Mount. (Which he points out is “unique” in Jesus’ teaching style as a non-parable.) This chapter alone makes the book worth owning.
Chapter 16 is titled, “The Language of the Kingdom.” Here he states that the term “kingdom” was a very significant term when Jesus used it and carried certain connotations. He says that the term is both no longer that significant and carries different connotations. Therefore, says McClaren, “if Jesus were there today, I’m quite certain he wouldn’t use the language of kingdom at all…” McClaren then states and explains six possible metaphors that Jesus might use today and explains how the metaphors would work and what they would signify. These metaphors and their explanations are very enlightening.
I know it sounds cliché but everyone should read this book. Christians should read it for the challenge it presents. Those wondering what Christianity is supposed to be about should read for this enlightened explanation.
Wilson
An excellent eye-opening book!
If this were a novel I would warn you that reading this will give some things away. It’s not a novel so that shouldn’t matter but if you want to be surprised by the “secret” message then simply note that I very highly recommend this book and discontinue reading. If you don’t mind knowing the “secret” then read on...
McClaren’s overall thesis is that Jesus’ message about the Kingdom of God has more to do with the present that it does the afterlife. (The afterlife is included but not primary.) He says we need to take statements like, “the kingdom is at hand,” or, “the kingdom is in your midst,” much more seriously.
He offers an interesting explanation as to why Jesus so often taught with parables. He says that by the nature of the message it was the best (necessary) means to use. For example, the goal of the message is an interactive relationship with God. The parables require the interested listener to engage further while the uninterested can shrug it off….
The entire book was good I especially enjoyed two chapters. I think these two chapters make the book worth owning all by themselves.
Chapter 14 is titled, “Kingdom Manifesto.” The chapter is a study of the Sermon on the Mount. (Which he points out is “unique” in Jesus’ teaching style as a non-parable.) This chapter alone makes the book worth owning.
Chapter 16 is titled, “The Language of the Kingdom.” Here he states that the term “kingdom” was a very significant term when Jesus used it and carried certain connotations. He says that the term is both no longer that significant and carries different connotations. Therefore, says McClaren, “if Jesus were there today, I’m quite certain he wouldn’t use the language of kingdom at all…” McClaren then states and explains six possible metaphors that Jesus might use today and explains how the metaphors would work and what they would signify. These metaphors and their explanations are very enlightening.
I know it sounds cliché but everyone should read this book. Christians should read it for the challenge it presents. Those wondering what Christianity is supposed to be about should read for this enlightened explanation.
Wilson