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Binding the Strong Man: A Political Reading of Mark's Story of Jesus

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At the end of his preface, Ched Myers writes, "I pray that this study might help Mark to speak, and the reader to have 'ears to hear', the good news that promises yet to overthrow the structures of tion in our world." Although he is nobody's seasoned Greek scholar, the author lives up to his end of the bargain. Myers serves up, in this reading of the earliest gospel, a much-needed focus of radical discipleship -- i.e., Jesus as exemplar of nonviolent resistance to the powers-that-be in his day, and ergo in ours. Myers wrote this groundbreaking work not in the effete ivory tower of liberal intellectualism, but while living in seven intentional faith communities over the course of several years ... and yet, it's a remarkable piece of scholarship. Finally: a serious application of the socio-literary approach to a book of scripture, by an author who beckons us not to worship and adore a tall-steeple bourgeois Jesus, but to follow the itinerant rabbi he really was!

Excellent book - ideas for all who want to understand the Bible from the point of view of Liberation Theology - a gospel for the poor and oppressed. Book is quite technical and very researched but may be difficult for those who do not have Scriptural backgound and higher studies. I was very impressed and felt that many new insights were attainted. I have read the book three times.

Most refreshing theological book I have read - opens ones eyes to Jesus's message by showing the context for each action and words of Jesus. Well worth the read - heavy going at times as it is full of substance. Every christian pastor and teacher should read it and it will revitalise their vision of what is the Lord's work.

Binding the Strong Man has become an essential text for people of faith who are asking important questions about how the Bible relates to our own age. This is a challenging read but well worth it. Ched Myers' public teachings are wonderfully engaging and challenging as well. Also look for his articles in Sojourners Magazine on biblical stewardship/Sabbath economics.

This is one of the three books I wish I had read during seminary; but I have decided that in God's infinite wisdom, I was not introduced to it then because I didn't have the background to appreciate it until now.

Myers finds too much Christian Bible study focused on private anguish and heaven - while our "world hangs in the balance on an imperial cross of violence and oppression." (14) In addition to his goal of forging a new methodological approach to the Gospels, Myers says his second goal was to "challenge traditional spiritualized or dogmatic readings of the Gospel in our First World churches, in order to promote discipleship as the core of Christian faith rather than either decisionism (the tendency of evangelicalism) or denominationalism (the tendency of liberalism). This he does in spades!

His analysis looks at historical and sociological backgrounds, semantic fields, the ideology of Mark's form, narrative strategy of apocalyptic, the effect of narrative sites, and Mark's wonderful use of intertextual allusions to the LXX, among many other considerations.
The book is dense, but delightful, and parses the Gospel in great detail. I could read only about 10 pages at a time, but it was well worth it. His socio-political analysis turns many traditional interpretations of Gospel passages on their (deaf) ears. Having read this book, I will never read any of the gospels the same way again.

Binding the Strongman is a review of the Gospel of Mark from a socio-literary approach. I am not a trained theologian and got through the book with some difficulties. My second time reading the book made understanding the concepts and teaching easier to understand. Most of Myers work is very good and insightful. Every so often, Myers interpretations of Jesus teaching lacks foundation in the other gospels; however, the vast majority of work seems accurate and thought provoking. A wonderful work in getting to the heart of what Jesus is teaching in Mark. This book is for people with a good overall understanding of the new and old testament and a strong reading ability. The insight that Ched Myers bring to Mark's Gospel will make you think about the role of women in the church, Money in God's kingdom, and Jewish temple practices. This book should be read by all Christians to get a better understanding of what Jesus was truly teaching in the new testament. After reading this book, you will see Christianity in a different light. Jesus - the radical Son of God.

This is a masterful exposition of how Christianity and politics have grown and shaped each other. Stripping away layer upon layer of preconceptions about the message of Jesus. Though written from a Christian worldview, I frequently recommend this book to members of other religions. It challenges the reader to go beyond the institutional values of Christianity,and look at the story from another point of view. This is not a book that will tell what to believe, but rather which beliefs you may need to reconsider.

Those who are sure that they are right in their understanding and values will most likely be offended by this book. If you can allow yourself the opportunity to be wrong, you will grow as a result of reading this masterpiece.