The Cultural World of Jesus: Sunday by Sunday, Cycle a (Bestseller! the Cultural World of Jesus: Sunday by Sunday) [Paperback]

John J. Pilch (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1995 | Series: Bestseller! the Cultural World of Jesus: Sunday by Sunday

The fifty-six essays in this book present cultural reflections on the gospel assigned for each Sunday in Cycle A of the Roman Lectionary. Each essay highlights aspects of the first-century, Eastern Mediterranean, cultrual world in which Jesus lived and suggests a cross-cultural comparison with contemporary western culture. With this background information, readers can make more fitting applications of Scripture to modern life.

Product Details

• Paperback: 184 pages
• Publisher: Liturgical Press (August 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0814622860
• ISBN-13: 978-0814622865
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.4 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,003,005 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Dr. John J. Pilch was born in Brooklyn, New York and educated in the mid-West (Wisconsin and Illinois)earning his PhD from Marquette University in 1972. Leading study tours to the Middle East provided first hand experience of that culture and its values. He was assistant clinical professor in the Department of Preventive Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin for fourteen years(1974-1988)focusing on medical anthropology as it helps to appreciate healing in the modern and ancient world. He then taught the Cultural World of the Bible for eighteen years at Georgetown University, Washington DC (1993-2011). All his audiences have appreciated the fresh light that Middle Eastern culture and values shed on ancient literature from that part of the world. His publications on the Middle Eastern cultural world of the Bible and on healing in the ancient world are well known in the US and abroad.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A very good RCIA resource, March 6, 2001

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NYJ (Atlantic Coast, USA) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: The Cultural World of Jesus: Sunday by Sunday, Cycle B (Bestseller! the Cultural World of Jesus: Sunday by Sunday) (Paperback)

This book, like the cycle A and C books, deals with the Gospel readings for the Cycle B year of the Latin Rite Catholic lectionary. It gives pertinent information on the Mediteranean culture and the times in which Jesus lived. This allows us a deeper insight into Jesus' teachings, and their meanings. This is therefore, a very valuable resource for those working in RCIA, adult education, religious education or for someone who just wants a deeper understanding of the Gospels. Each week is covered by an essay ranging from two to four pages in length. It is written in very easy to understand language making the whole learning process easier andmore enjoyable. I highly recommend this set of books.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book for religious education, October 5, 2000

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NYJ (Atlantic Coast, USA) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: The Cultural World of Jesus: Sunday by Sunday, Cycle a (Bestseller! the Cultural World of Jesus: Sunday by Sunday) (Paperback)

This series of books (there is one for each cycle [A/B/C] of the Catholic Liturgy) prove very useful for religious education and RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) classes. Each week of the year is represented, with each week having a homily based on the gospel (NOTE: the essays are concerned ONLY with the Gospel reading, and not the 1st or 2nd readings for that same liturgical week) reading for that week. Each essay(homily) attempts to give the reader a feel for the Mediterranean culture that was representative of the palestinian region that Jesus inhabited during His ministry. These books will give the reader invaluable insight into Jesus' times and culture and will be sure to give the reader a better look at Jesus' parables and what they meant for people at that time. It is also a nice tool for people to have to supplement their weekly Bible study, as people can follow the liturgical year at home on their own or in a group (which makes this book an excellent resource for Bible study groups).

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars An enlightening look at the customs during the time of Jesus, November 20, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The Cultural World of Jesus: Sunday by Sunday, Cycle a (Bestseller! the Cultural World of Jesus: Sunday by Sunday) (Paperback)

This series of three books, designed as a cultural background for the Roman Lectionary readings during the three year cycle will help all readers to more fully appreciate the words and actions of the characters in the Bible. It can be used as an aide for homilies or simply to give the reader a more intimate glimpse into the mores, customs and beliefs during the time of Jesus. Its style is user-friendly, and many personal incidents are cited. It is recommended for all who have a need to fully develop all aspects of the background for the writers of the Bible.