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Jesus and His Enemies: Narrative Conflict in the Four Gospels
In narrative analysis, the message expressed in each of the four gospels is conveyed not just through Jesus's teachings or particular stories but through the overall narrative itself --particularly through the introduction and resolution of conflict. Through dramatic narrative the evangelists show Christians how they are to act in situations of conflict without abandoning the demands of love.
As Robert Beck reflects, "This is the real test of the command to love one another, which finds its most exacting demand when we are in firm opposition." The Gospels have much to say about this, though the answers are found in a place we seldom in the qualities of dramatic narrative itself. Jesus and His Enemies offers a fresh contribution to biblical teaching on violence, ethics, and the Christian pursuit of peace.
As Robert Beck reflects, "This is the real test of the command to love one another, which finds its most exacting demand when we are in firm opposition." The Gospels have much to say about this, though the answers are found in a place we seldom in the qualities of dramatic narrative itself. Jesus and His Enemies offers a fresh contribution to biblical teaching on violence, ethics, and the Christian pursuit of peace.
240 pages, Paperback
Published December 14, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
January 1, 2018
Jesus and His Enemies by Fr. Robert Beck.
Every now and then humanity stands on the precipice of making a radical choice. Jesus confronted this dynamic and chose love over violence. Humanity got off to a good start in attempting to follow his lead but got sidetracked along the way once we had to take up our own crosses in order to follow him. We fell back on the old method of scapegoating to get a reprieve from the tensions inherent in the call to love unconditionally. Inch by inch we crawled down that old path only to find ourselves once again at a having to make a radical choice. Whether it be our environment, our politics or our religions, we face existential issues. Like the authors of our gospels we need to find a way to be together in love not violence. Each composed their texts to address the needs of their communities. I find myself wondering how we can harvest from Fr Beck’s treasure trove of insights in order to re-enter the gospels in a way that can help us find the courage to step back from the edge of the cliff we find ourselves on now. Maybe, having exhausted all the shortcuts we could devise, we may need to say with Peter, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. Jn. 6 68.
Beck, Robert R. Jesus and His Enemies: Narrative Conflict in the Four Gospels. Orbis Books, Maryknoll NY. 2017
Every now and then humanity stands on the precipice of making a radical choice. Jesus confronted this dynamic and chose love over violence. Humanity got off to a good start in attempting to follow his lead but got sidetracked along the way once we had to take up our own crosses in order to follow him. We fell back on the old method of scapegoating to get a reprieve from the tensions inherent in the call to love unconditionally. Inch by inch we crawled down that old path only to find ourselves once again at a having to make a radical choice. Whether it be our environment, our politics or our religions, we face existential issues. Like the authors of our gospels we need to find a way to be together in love not violence. Each composed their texts to address the needs of their communities. I find myself wondering how we can harvest from Fr Beck’s treasure trove of insights in order to re-enter the gospels in a way that can help us find the courage to step back from the edge of the cliff we find ourselves on now. Maybe, having exhausted all the shortcuts we could devise, we may need to say with Peter, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. Jn. 6 68.
Beck, Robert R. Jesus and His Enemies: Narrative Conflict in the Four Gospels. Orbis Books, Maryknoll NY. 2017
August 17, 2025
A systematic and incisive look at the 4 Gospels from their narrative point of view with a huge focus on conflict resolution and non-violent, non-retaliatory resistance. Backed by sound social and literary theory, the book offers a pragmatic look at core values of the Gospel within the human fold. What I found most commendable is the scholarly rendition of his intended analysis, devoid of irrelevant digression, setting aside the theology and divinity of the person of Christ in a way that removes faith from the discussing, while still not denying it. Illustrations that drove the narrative aspects home ranged from Mission Impossible to Gandhian principles, from Irish literary movements to Girard's theories, and, from Postcolonialism to debunking Niebuhr's theory. Its competence as a standalone partial commentary is indubitable.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews