Reading the Parables: Interpretation: Resources for the Use of Scripture in the Church

Parables make up one-third of Jesus' speech in the New Testament. In this volume, Richard Lischer provides an expert guide to these parables and proposes an important distinction between reading and interpreting the parables.

Emphasizing the importance of reading the parables versus interpreting them, Lischer asserts that reading offers a kind of breathing space to explore historical, literary, theological, and socio-political dimensions of the parables and their various meanings, whereas interpreting implies an expert and critical position that must be defended.

In this volume, Lischer lays out four theories for reading parables: 1) parables obscure truth; 2) parables teach many truths; 3) parables teach one truth; and 4) parables undermine the truth. Ultimately, he concludes that biblical parables undermine dominant myths called the truth to shine light on the Truth that is Jesus, God's presence with us.

Author: Richard Lischer
Publisher: Westminster John Knox Press
Published: 09/12/2014
Pages: 208
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.00lbs
Size: 9.10h x 5.90w x 0.90d
ISBN: 9780664231651
Award: Book of the Year - Winner

Review Citation(s):
Christian Century 12/10/2014 pg. 24

About the Author
Lischer, Richard: - Richard Lischer is James T. and Alice Mead Cleland Professor of Preaching at Duke Divinity
School. He is the author of several books, including Open Secrets: A Memoir of Faith and
Discovery and Stations of the Heart: Parting with a Son.