Reflections on Jesus and Socrates: Word and Silence [Hardcover]

Mr. Paul W. Gooch (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 31, 1997

Living more than four centuries apart in very different cultures, Jesus and Socrates wrote nothing themselves, but they inspired their followers to set down words that continue to shape western consciousness. In this meditation, Paul Gooch reflects on enduring themes that arise from the lives of these two pivotal figures: death and witness, silence as the limit of language, prayer, obedience, and love. Focusing on the Jesus of the Gospels and the Socrates of Plato's dialogues, Gooch does not debate the historical realities of either figure but seeks to understand their fundamental commitments to philosophy and to God.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Jesus and Socrates, two men who shared an intense interest in the question of how to live one's life, are the subjects of this thoughtful and perceptive book. Gooch (philosophy and vice provost, Univ. of Toronto) examines and compares Jesus as portrayed in the Gospel of Matthew and Socrates as portrayed in the dialogs of Plato. Gooch seeks to explore the meanings of speech, silence, prayer, obedience, and love in one's life as exemplified by the trials and deaths of the two men. The issues he examines are profound and his reflections upon them careful and thorough. A serious, well-written work; highly recommended for both academic and informed lay readers.?Charles V. Cowling, SUNY at Brockport
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 320 pages
• Publisher: Yale University Press (January 31, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0300066953
• ISBN-13: 978-0300066951
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 6.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,356,464 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.