Contents: What's in a parable? -- Wisdom, proverb and parable -- Religion and story -- Hints for reading parables -- Parables of growth -- God in parables -- Allegory : When is a parable not a parable? -- The good samaritan : Parable of the love command -- Reversal, equality and reward -- Ethics and the parables -- God and his people -- Appendix : The parables. Abstract: "Studies of the parables have increased and flourished in the past ten years. Researchers from various disciplines in the humanities have joined Scripture scholars and theologians in examining these unique stories of Jesus. Much energy has been spent in exploring and defending particular points of view about the parables. Yet all too often the central questions about a particular parable--"What is the parable saying? How do I respond to this story?"--Have been ignored in the process. [This book] is a guide to help readers respond to these questions. Each chapter of [this book] introduces issues in the current discussion of the parables and teachings of Jesus. It then goes on to readings of specific parables which present various directions in which an interpretation might lead. Also included in each chapter are study questions. The format and content of [this book] make it suitable for use by an individual, in the classroom, or as part of an adult education program."--Back cover. Published in: New York, N.Y. Physical description: 224 pages ; 21 cm.

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