Customer Reviews

Silent Witnesses in the Gospels : Bible Bystanders and Their Stories

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I picked up the book with pretty high expectations due to the reviews I got from a few friends that I trust. I was not dissappointed in the least. I consider myself someone who is pretty scripture literate and I'm always looking for new insight without really heavy dry theology. Wright does a great job of telling the story from the viewpoints of people I never really saw or considered. After reading the story of the Raising of Lazarus I never "saw' the stonemovers and how they were open to being used by Christ. Wright does a fantastic job of offering, not pushing his view as the only way, some ways that we might live out what it might be to be a stonemover. I must admit it took my thoughts on a creative journey I didn't expect. I will continue to recommend this book while holding on to my copy as a resource for reflection for years to come. I have purchased this book for my high school age nephew as well as 3 different christian friends all from different denominations. I hope this is helpful.

It's rare that I come across a book that I think I will hold onto forever but I think I just found one. Silent Witnesses in the Gospels is a book that I read and then put down to 'mull over' the implications of the 'silent actions' of Bible characters I knew of but never really considered before as having an impact on my life. The author does a great job of leading me to the charaters and leaving me to consider for my own life circumstance how I might live out a more Faith filled life. I find myself reading a chapter and then putting it down for a few days while I meditate on the Gospel story. I recommend this book to any book club and it's great for discussion starters.

Allan Wright's book has something for everyone:

- clergy can use it as each chapter is virtually a pre-written homily
- retreat masters will find that every chapter is a topic for group spiritual discussion
- scripture students will find the insights on the silent bystanders most original

You can't tell from the title but Wright's book is a guide for spiritual reflection rather than an historical analysis of the life and times in which these people lived. While Wright does discuss what the subtle meanings of certain actions - like the father of the prodigal son running to greet his wayward offspring, significant because men don't run in the Middle East as it is a sign of not having one's affairs in order - he does so in order that the reader might have a better undestanding of the points the Gospel writer was trying to make.

Overall Wright's book is a easy to read and easy to digest and is an excellent compendium of spiritual reflections on the often overlooked silent bystanders in the Gospel.

Never have I seen in my studies, such a prolific composition of what was "not" done and what "didn't" happen. So many writers analyze what "they" feel a historical action was supposed to mean but it is with "Silent Witnesses" that these aspects are meticulously picked apart and evaluated in order to make a 2,000 year old message come to life over and over again. I highly recommend this work to anyone seeking clarifications for sometimes what appears to be incomprehensible actions of Jesus through the written Word. I have also had the honor and privilege of being a student of Allen Wright's at Seton Hall University and I must say that if you think the book is prolific, you should hear the master of the tome lecture! A copious piece written by a true expert who has painstakingly examined all aspects of the Gospels for the readers' better understanding. Highly recommended!

This book has changed my life. I will never look at the people who witnessed the miracles of Jesus the same way again! It truly made me ponder what it must have been like. I read the Gospels with a new insight! Allan Wright has constructed a masterpiece which everyone should own!

This book is a super resource for lay ministers and those who teach the Christian faith! I recommend it for those who work with youth especially. Wright demonstrates a creative approach to Bible story-telling that exemplifies the "new evangelization" of Pope John Paul II. A must have!

This was one of the most influential novels i have EVER read in my entire life. I felt truly inspired to spread the Word of God and have since become more involved with my Church. This book proves that the Bible is the most powerful piece of literature in the world and that it is closely followed, only by this book.

PS- nice alliteration!

There are times that one just needs to step back and take a look at all the silences that there are. "Silent Witnesses in the Gospels" helps you think about all the words that are unspoken. It is a great way to understand what went on in the minds of the poeple who lived with Jesus. What a great experience that must have been! This book makes you feel like you are one of the bystanders! I read a chapter at a time, and after I am done reading, I sit back, meditate and pray that somehow I can use the story as a catalyst in my everyday life to show my faith. Mr. Wright's book is one that all ages can enjoy. You will learn to express and think about your faith in new and inciteful ways. This is a book that can be read all at once, or in chapters at different times. I sugguest to all who can take 5 minutes out of their life to read a chapter whenever you are feeling upset, confused, lost, or even happy, just read a chapter and get a lot of inspiration and to experience an uplifting energy to add to your day. You will not be let down or disappointed in anyway after reading this amazing book!! I PROMISE!! It is AWESOME. SIMPLY, AWESOME!!

A great read! I loved the format and insights. Wonderful for Lent or Advent or well anytime. I never realized there were so many 'silent witnesses' and how I can relate to them so well.

Im a student of Mr. Wright, and this book helped me complete a project he assigned me. This book covers most or all of the miracles Jesus performed, and the people that were bystanders.