Four Gospels, One Jesus?: A Symbolic Reading [Paperback]

Richard A. Burridge (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 2005

In this very readable book Richard Burridge depicts Jesus through the four Gospel authors distinctive portraits of him. Without bogging down readers with technical terminology, Burridge brings to bear his research comparing the Gospels with classical biographies and offers a clear interpretation of each Gospel authors portrait. A striking feature is his use of the ancient symbols for the Gospels - human face, lion, ox, and eagle - to represent each books unique picture of Jesus. This second edition incorporates the latest scholarship on the historical Jesus, a new section on how the Gospels have been read throughout history, and an expanded discussion of how to teach and preach the Gospels through the lectionary. Burridge also tackles the question of how these ancient writings bear on todays hot-button issues of unity and diversity. Four Gospels, One Jesus? will be appreciated by teachers, pastors, students, and other readers wanting to understand Jesus more fully.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This is a lively, lucid exposition of the four evangelists' portraits of Jesus. The evangelists' distinctive emphases are set out with flair, imagination and theological sensitivity. Novices and old hands alike will read the Gospels with new eyes. Four Gospels, One Jesus? is a considerable achievement: scholarly yet accessible". Graham Stanton, Lady Margaret's Professor of Divinity, Cambridge. "This is a lively, lucid exposition of the four evangelists' portraits of Jesus. The evangelists' distinctive emphases are set out with flair, imagination and theological sensitivity. Novices and old hands alike will read the Gospels with new eyes. Four Gospels, One Jesus? is a considerable achievement: scholarly yet accessible". Graham Stanton, Lady Margaret's Professor of Divinity, Cambridge. "He (Burridge) has produced a beautiful, readable overview of the four gospels, rich in symbols, highlighting the different and complementary portraits they paint of the central figure, whose biography they record. A book to buy and cherish." Michael Green, Adviser in Evangelism to the Archbishops of Canterbury and York. "Here is an introduction to the gospels which, because it combines so well prayer and worship and scholarship, has a vitality and freshness about it which I find immensely appealing." David Hope, Archbishop of York" --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

Richard A. Burridge is dean of King's College in London, where he also lectures in the theology department. His other books include "Jesus Now and Then" (with Graham Gould) and "What Are the Gospels? A Comparison with Graeco-Roman Biography" (both Eerdmans).

Product Details

• Paperback: 198 pages
• Publisher: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company; 2 edition (November 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0802829805
• ISBN-13: 978-0802829801
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #291,050 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent guide to understanding the gospels., October 14, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Four Gospels, One Jesus?: A Symbolic Reading (Paperback)

This is one of the most concise yet comprehensive books I've read on the subject, a book that effectively combines scholarship and faith. As Michael Green writes," Few academics emerge from the ivory tower to write in an attractive way for the general reader. Few theologians combine academic rigour with spiritual sensitivity. Richard Burridge does both these things,..." My students agree. They use and treasure their copy.

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Enlightening and Enjoyable, November 13, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Four Gospels, One Jesus?: A Symbolic Reading (Paperback)

This book changed the way I view the Four Gospels...and has deepened my faith in the one Jesus to whom they witness. The book is academic in its approach, addressing the most important areas of textual and theological criticism, and yet it reads like a devotional. Good stuff for scholars and laypeople alike!

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful expansion of the Biblical imaging of Christ!, November 17, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Four Gospels, One Jesus?: A Symbolic Reading (Paperback)

This book has been one of my re-reads, and I don't have time for many. I recommend this as a balanced, intelligent reading of the varried stories of Jesus, without "liberal" or "conservative" bias.