What Jesus Meant: The Beatitudes and a Meaningful Life

by Erik Kolbell

In this popular interpretation of the Beatitudes, Kolbell suggests that the eight pillars of the Beatitudes--meekness, empathy, righteousness, peace, persecution, purity, poverty, and simplicity--are timeless codes of conduct for our busy, anxious lives.

Genres: Christianity

140 pages, Hardcover

First published April 30, 2003

About the author

Erik Kolbell is a writer, psychotherapist, and ordained minister.

A Yale Divinity School graduate, Kolbell was the first Minister of Social Justice at Riverside Church in New York City where he worked on fair housing, racial equality, nuclear disarmament, prison reform and other issues. His work took him to Nicaragua as an official US observer for the first democratic elections, to Cuba with Pastors for Peace delivering medical supplies, and to South Africa on a fact finding mission during the apartheid years.

As a Congregational minister with a concentration in Judaic studies, Kolbell has a broad understanding of religious issues and where they intersect with American culture. Prior to his ministry at Riverside Church, Kolbell worked for several years as a college chaplain. His psychotherapy practice incorporates his expertise in family and couples counseling.

Kolbell has appeared on The Today Show and Dateline on NBC, The Early Show on CBS, The Charlie Rose Show on PBS, Morning Joe on MSNBC, The Jane Pauley Show, Your Total Health, local television, and numerous radio programs.

Kolbell's writing has covered a wide variety of topics, from the spiritual to the practical, with a common theme being that of tying ethical principles to everyday living.

Reviews

[Sarah Toppins · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting perspective on what the Beatitudes mean. The author argues that the intent is a lot deeper and different than a cursory reading of them might suggest.

[Debby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every year, when we go to Chautauqua Institute for a day of inspiration, I select a book from the Chautauqua Bookstore. This year's choice was "What Jesus Meant" by Erik Kolbell. Reverend Kolbell had given the homily at the morning worship service and there was a selection of several books of his at the bookstore. While I was perusing them, the author happened to pass by and jokingly say, "I know the author." After a few more words exchanged, I selected this book and he signed it for me. In the three weeks it took me to read the book I have enjoyed mornings of quiet reflection reading and contemplating the truths of the Beatitudes......timeless, for people of all or no faith, relevant to whatever is taking place in one's own soul or on the world stage. I expect to read it again, more slowly, even more reflectively, culling the wisdom of the Beatitudes themselves as well as Erik Kolbell's beautiful and moving interpretation of them.