The Family Metaphor in Jesus' Teaching: Gospel and Ethics

by Finlan, Stephen

• ISBN13: 9781556359385
• ISBN10: 1556359381
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2009-03-24
• Publisher: Wipf & Stock Pub

Summary

The Family Metaphor in Jesus' Teaching examines the ethical and spiritual implications of Jesus' use of intimate family metaphors for God (Father) and for believers (like children, as brothers). When Jesus exalts the child's qualities of honesty and trust, he is also raising the status of actual children. Using current discussions of the equal-regard family and of joy as a focus of Jesus' message, Stephen Finlan explores how the gospel entails a changed concept of parenting, a new approach to spiritual growth, and an emphasis on self-forgetful service and committed fellowship.

Author Biography

Stephen Finlan is a post-doctoral Fellow at Fordham University, and has taught at Drew University and at the University of Durham. He is the co-editor or author of Theosis: Deification in Christian Theology (Pickwick, 2006), The Apostle Paul and the Pauline Tradition (2008), Options on Atonement (2007), Problems with Atonement (2005), and The Background and Content of Paul's Cultic Atonement Metaphors (2004).

Table of Contents

Preface: On the Historical Jesus	p. ix
Abbreviations	p. xvi
"My Father and Your Father": The Gospel Principles	p. 1
"First the Stalk, Then the Head, Then the Full Grain": Stages of Growth	p. 12
"Do Not Despise One of These Little Ones": Welcoming the Child	p. 35
"Who Are My Mother and My Brothers": Critique of Family	p. 55
"Mercy, Not Sacrifice": Religious Priorities	p. 92
Bibliography	p. 123
Index of Names and Subjects	p. 133
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