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Posted July 26, 2010
Book: Jesus Christ: God’s Revelation to the World Author: Michael Pennock Ave Maria Press. Notre Dame, IN. 2010. Pp.312 An Excerpt from the Introduction:
Knowledge about how Jesus Christ is the unique Word of Sacred Scripture and how God’s mission of Salvation is revealed in both the Old Testament and New Testament Ways to quench the human desire to know and love God, especially through praying with Sacred Scripture. Scripture-inspired projects and activities to further Christ’s social mission to the world and especially the poor. An Excerpt from the Book: How Jesus Taught The philosopher Aristotle said that teachers are to be more honored than one’s parents. His point was that while parents give us physical life, teachers show us how to live well. If this observation is true, then we should revere Jesus above all teachers. His message and his person bring eternal life. Jesus was an exceptional teacher, easy to learn from and good to be around. He had many qualities that make him an outstanding teacher, worth listening to. For example: Jesus was genuine. Like all superb teachers, Jesus’ deeds backed up his words. Jesus was available. Jesus met people where they were. A wandering preacher and teacher, he taught everywhere — on hillsides, on dusty roads, at the tables of the rich and poor, as well as in the synagogues and in the Temple. Jesus was understandable. Jesus used down-to-earth, picturesque language. For example, instead of giving a high-blown maxim like “Charity should not be ostentatious,” Jesus said, “But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right is doing.” Jesus spoke Aramaic, a poetic language. Aramaic was the language spoken by his contemporaries. This language was vivid and poetic. Jesus spoke in parallel statements, that is, he repeated thoughts a second time in a slightly different form to drive home an idea. Here’s an example: “Give to the one who asks of you, and do not turn your back on one who wants to borrow.” Jesus also used hyperbole, or exaggeration, to make a point. Jesus taught with authority. When rabbis of Jesus’ day taught, they typically quoted prominent teachers to back up their positions. Jesus quoted no other rabbi, and when he quoted Scriptures, he gave novel, penetrating, and profound interpretations. As God’s son, he spoke on his own authority. Jesus was a brilliant debater. Jesus challenges his listeners. Good teachers stretch their students’ minds, challenging them to grow. Table of Contents: 1. Searching for God 2. Introduction to Sacred Scripture 3. Surveying the books of the bible 4. The Pentateuch, Creation, Covenant, and the Exodus 5. Kings and prophets awaiting the Messiah 6. The synoptic gospels 7. Jesus’ teaching 8. Jesus’ miracles and the Paschal Mystery 9. Jesus in the Gospel of John 10. Who do you say I am? Catholic handbook for faith Glossary |
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