Description
Book SynopsisThe Gospels have been used to justify self-focused, self-absorbed and self-referential attitudes, and are often read as moralistic codes that do little more than produce guilt and fear in those who use them as compilations of behaviour. Yet break free from the rigidity of many translations and you find testament to a new way of living focused on friendship, emotional intimacy and respect of all beings. In his fresh and life-giving translation of the Gospels, beginning with the Book of Matthew, best-selling author and spiritual innovator Thomas Moore strips the Gospels of their theological agendas and reclaims them as a radically new way of imagining human life. He blends scholarship and pastoral guidance to highlight the Gospels' teachings on earthly, rather than otherworldly, living in which community, compassion, inclusiveness, prayer and healing are key elements. He draws deeply from Greek philosophy, literature and spirituality to craft an accurate and challenging yet accessible translation that, free of religious moralism and dogmatism, is beautifully imaginative and inspirational. His accompanying commentary cracks open words and concepts presented in the Gospels to reveal new meanings that are profoundly spiritual and non-exclusive. He explains hidden references to ancient Greek gods and goddesses and shows surprisingly how the Gospels teachings are similar to teachings of other traditions, such as Taoism and Buddhism. Rich in both soul and spirit, this extraordinary translation and commentary is for people of all spiritual and philosophical backgrounds who want to nourish their spiritual lives with expansive inspiration rather than narrow and negative interpretations.
Trade Review"This is unlike any translation I've encountered. Simple, beautiful and highly readable…. People of all faiths, and those with none, will find meaning and perspective in this wonderful book." —Dr. James Guy, president, Headington Institute, Pasadena, California; former dean, School of Psychology, Fuller Theological Seminary “So much of our daily tragic news is a direct result of a narrow, irresponsible and inaccurate view of the Christ. Thank you, Thomas Moore, for inviting us to re-envision Jesus, not as an engine of division, but as a healer of headlines.” —Rev. Susan Sparks, senior pastor, Madison Avenue Baptist Church; author, Laugh Your Way to Grace “As an archeologist of the soul, Thomas Moore probes these ancient artifacts and finds in the words and deeds of a radical Jesus a critique of the social ills that plague us and the encouragement we need to work toward the healing of our little place in a chaotic world. His translation is fresh, clear and inviting, and his commentary, enlightening and sometimes surprising.” —George W. E. Nickelsburg, professor emeritus, University of Iowa “Guides us beyond biblical literalism, opening windows that have long been painted shut. The master turns his extraordinary soul and pen back to the source, enlivening and healing our reading of sacred text. Here is a holy book that is indeed inclusive, expansive, edgy and thrilling—a book redirecting our gaze, in Moore’s own words, to the 'the Kingdom of the Sky.’” —Rabbi Lawrence Kushner, Emanu-El Scholar, Congregation Emanu-El of San Francisco; author of many books on Jewish mysticism and spirituality
Table of ContentsIntroduction to Gospel Introduction to the Book of Matthew Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Chapter 11 Chapter 12 Chapter 13 Chapter 14 Chapter 15 Chapter 16 Chapter 17 Chapter 18 Chapter 19 Chapter 20 Chapter 21 Chapter 22 Chapter 23 Chapter 24 Chapter 25 Chapter 26 Chapter 27 Chapter 28 Acknowledgments Notes Suggestions for Further Reading About the Author
