In this Book
- Encountering Jesus: Character Studies in the Gospel of John
- Book
- 2014
- Published by: Augsburg Fortress Publishers
The last thirty years have seen an increased interest in the Bible as literature and story. Yet “character” appears to be neglected in both literary theory and narrative criticism. Indeed, there is not even agreement amongst scholars on how to approach, analyze and classify characters.
Applying a comprehensive theory of character to the Gospel of John, Cornelis Bennema provides a fresh analysis of both the characters and their responses to Jesus. While the majority of scholars view most Johannine characters as “flat,” Bennema demonstrates that many are complex, developing, and “round.” John’s broad array of characters and their responses to Jesus correspond to people and their choices in real life in any culture and time. This book highlights how John’s Gospel seeks to challenge its readers, past and present, about where they stand in relation to Jesus.
Table of Contents
- Preface to the Second Edition
- pp. ix-xii
- 1. Introduction
- pp. 1-42
- 2. Jesus: The Life-Giving Revealer
- pp. 43-60
- 3. John: Witness Par Excellence
- pp. 61-74
- 6. Andrew and Philip: Finders of People
- pp. 101-110
- 7. Simon Peter: A Shepherd in the Making
- pp. 111-126
- 8. Nathanael: The Genuine Israelite
- pp. 127-134
- 10. Nicodemus: In the Twilight Zone
- pp. 147-160
- 11. The Samaritan Woman: An Unexpected Bride
- pp. 161-174
- 13. The Invalid at the Pool: A Lame Response
- pp. 185-200
- 14. The Crowd: A Faceless, Divided Mass
- pp. 201-212
- 15. The Twelve: Slow but Sticky
- pp. 213-228
- 18. Martha: The Ideal Johannine Confessor
- pp. 259-266
- 19. Mary of Bethany: At Jesus’ Feet
- pp. 267-274
- 20. Lazarus: The Dead Shall Hear His Voice
- pp. 275-286
- 21. Thomas: Let Me See and Touch
- pp. 287-298
- 23. Pilate: Securing a Hollow Victory
- pp. 317-328
- 25. Joseph of Arimathea: Faith and Fear
- pp. 339-346
- 26. Conclusion
- pp. 347-372
- Bibliography
- pp. 373-406
- Index of Modern Authors
- pp. 407-414