Imitating Jesus: An Inclusive Approach to New Testament Ethics

by Richard A. Burridge

In contrast to many studies of New Testament ethics, which treat the New Testament in general and Paul in particular, this book focuses on the person of Jesus himself. Richard Burridge maintains that imitating Jesus means following both his words - which are very demanding ethical teachings - and his deeds and example of being inclusive and accepting of everyone. Burridge carefully and systematically traces that combination of rigorous ethical instruction and inclusive community through the letters of Paul and the four Gospels, treating specific ethical issues pertaining to each part of Scripture. The book culminates with a chapter on apartheid as an ethical challenge to reading the New Testament; using South Africa as a contemporary case study enables Burridge to highlight and further apply his previous discussion and conclusions.

Genres: Biblical Studies, Theology

Hardcover

First published September 1, 2007

Reviews

[Drake Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Richard Burridge provides a book on Jesus' ethics based on his genre approach to reading the Gospels. Starting with the Gospels as biographies, Burridge then points to what ancient biographies wished to communicate about their subjects. The general words and actions of the protagonist form the character that the writer is aiming to communicate.

Burridge then proceeds to examine the general character of Jesus in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. He then uses the character of Jesus in surfacing ethical characteristics to apply from the Bible.

His study becomes especially interesting as he applies these ideas to the problem of apartheid in South Africa. While many Christians thought that they were applying the Bible, they arrived at incorrect or contradictory ethics. This ought to be considered by those applying biblical principles today. An overarching approach based on the character of Jesus is quite valuable.

Burridge's approach deserves a greater hearing in biblical studies, church history, and ethics today. I hope that will happen in the future.

[Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this book, Burridge shows the ethical implications of his study on the genre of the Gospels as Greco-Roman bioi/biographies (What Are the Gospels?). Thus, Burridge makes a distinct contributions to New Testament Ethics by emphasizing not only Jesus’ words but also his actions as a way to imitate Jesus within the community of believers.

[Brett · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like the methodology, I am not sure that I am with all his conclusions, but I have to give it a closer read. It seemed like maybe he was seeing what he wanted or needed to see.