Retrieving the Spiritual Teaching of Jesus: Sandra Schneiders, William Spohn, and Lisa Sowle Cahill

This volume explores the teaching of Jesus and how to apply it to modern life, considering the differences between Jesus' time and our own. Three authors use modern hermeneutics to explain how the imagination can retrieve Jesus' teaching and apply it to our dilemmas while remaining faithful to his content.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 160 pages
Publication date: 05 December 2023
Publisher: Fordham University Press

This volume delves into the captivating realm of Jesus' teaching, raising an essential question: how can we effectively harness the power of imagination to uncover his profound insights and apply them to our contemporary lives? Teachers and preachers tirelessly engage in this endeavor, but upon closer inspection, it reveals a profound process that warrants thoughtful contemplation. In our ever-evolving world, marked by significant differences from the time of Jesus, many wonder about the practicality of his teachings in our complex, daily existence. This volume turns its attention to three esteemed authors who have delved into the realm of modern hermeneutics, the theory of interpretation. They address fundamental questions that shed light on the adjustments necessary to apply Jesus' teaching to our dilemmas while maintaining fidelity to his original intentions.

Sandra Schneiders takes us on a journey into the contemporary world of hermeneutics, exploring the intricate mechanisms within the human mind that enable us to assert that present-day interpretation, while distinct from Jesus due to the disparities in our "worlds," nonetheless corresponds to the message he conveyed in his time, relative to his own world. William Spohn takes this idea further, offering concrete examples of how analogy, sameness, and difference work together to bind the imagination to Jesus and unlock new relevance for his actual teaching. Lisa Sowle Cahill then carries the spirit of the previous two authors into the social realm, demonstrating how Jesus' teaching holds profound significance for the intricate societies we inhabit today.

The logics presented by these three authors serve as valuable models for the broader scope of the Past Light on Present Life volumes. Each author represents a different historical period and explores distinct themes within Western Christian spirituality, contributing to the rich tapestry of this series. By exploring the interplay between imagination, interpretation, and societal context, this volume offers a profound exploration of Jesus' teaching and its enduring relevance in our modern world.

Weight: 238g
Dimension: 139 x 215 x 12 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781531506049