Customer Reviews

Written That You May Believe: Encountering Jesus in the Fourth Gospel

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The promise of the subtitle of this interpretation of the Gospel according to John speaks eloquently to what Sandra Schneiders has brought to life in this well researched theological work. As she has noted in the text, one does not simply read the fourth gospel for it is in interacting with it that Jesus becomes real. For me the chief benefit of immersing the self in Sandra's reflection and research has been a deepened experience of the Risen Christ. I have encountered herein a Jesus who is truly the symbol of the God I only begin to know.

Sandra Schneiders is a dynamic teacher as well as being a gifted Biblical theologian and writer. Her refreshing commentary on the Gospel of John helps us see what very few male theologians have been able or willing to see. Her insights are backed up by splendid research and intelligent thought.Her exploration of the Samaritan Woman, for example , in the 4th chapter of John allow us to peer deeply into the real meaning of the text. This is not about Jesus' encounter with one woman. It is about the Johannine community whose members were struggling with their life situation, the tensions over roles for women and men , the meaning of authority in the new dispensation which Jesus has begun. Anyone seriously interested in Scripture should read this fascinating book.

This is an excellent book for anyone, lay or ordained, who seeks a deeper understanding of the Gospel of John. Dr. Schneider's insight from a feminist point of view gives one fresh perspective from which to view this scripture. I highly recommend this book.

Sister Schneiders shows little interest in the text of the Gospel of Saint John. This is just a pretext to do a predictable feminist trashing of the Catholic Church's traditional interpretation of these texts. Sister looks at the Gospel and ---surprise!--- Jesus turns out to be an ecofeminist of the first order.

Not convincing, but sadly typical of the decline of Scriptural fellowship.