Lived Religions- Social Justice in the Stories of Jesus The Ethical Challenge of the Parables

“Gordley’s excellent book on the parables of Jesus is utterly unique, focusing largely on their contemporary ethical significance, helpfully using modern Roman Catholic scholarship in crafting this highly recommended text.”
— David Aune, Walter Professor of New Testament and Christian Origins Emeritus, University of Notre Dame

“This book incorporates socially conscious and justice seeking hermeneutics. Grounded in mercy ethics, it reorients biblical scholarship by making explicit the socioethical and praxiological demands embedded in New Testament parables.”
— Néstor Medina, Associate Professor of Religious Ethics and Culture, Emmanuel College, University of Toronto

“Social Justice in the Stories of Jesus is an invitation into an engaging conversation about the Parables of Jesus that is both timeless and timely. Practical applications abound, and discussion questions are provided if the text is used in group settings.”
— Julia A. Upton, Former Distinguished Professor of Theology, St. John’s University

In Social Justice in the Stories of Jesus, Matthew E. Gordley introduces readers to the parables of the New Testament, highlighting their relevance to the moral and ethical challenges of today’s world. Focusing on themes of mercy, justice, and human dignity, this timely volume explores the parables of the New Testament through the lens of seminal thinkers and activists from a variety of traditions, including James Cone, Emilie Townes, Bishop Michael Curry, and Pope Francis.

Accessible to people from a broad range of backgrounds, Social Justice in the Stories of Jesus invites readers to reflect on the meaning of Jesus’s parables both in their original setting and today, in light of contemporary challenges - such as racism, violence, the environment, and our obligations to one another. Each chapter provides an interpretation of a parable, key background information, discussion of its ethical implications within the context of social justice.

Assuming no prior knowledge of the Bible, Social Justice in the Stories of Jesus: The Ethical Challenge of the Parables is an excellent textbook for introductory courses on the Bible and New Testament, religious ethics, and general readers looking for a resource for personal or congregational study.