John for Normal People: A Guide through the Depth & Drama of the Fourth Gospel (The Bible for Normal People)

John for Normal People: A Guide through the Depth & Drama of the Fourth Gospel (The Bible for Normal People)

In this thoughtfully researched, playful commentary, Jennifer Garcia Bashaw illuminates the theological world of the Gospel According to John and explores what we might learn about Jesus when we are attentive to the text. Re-creating key passages as theatrical scenes, Bashaw dramatically illustrates John’s narrative brilliance and draws on biblical scholarship to explore the stories behind the story. Continuing The Bible for Normal People’s mission to make the best in biblical scholarship accessible to all people, this commentary unpacks questions of authorship, dating and redaction history, and explores the historical, cultural and social contexts within which the Fourth Gospel was written. But it is through her creative approach to narrative criticism that Bashaw uncover Jesus as the author of John’s Gospel understood him. If you want to learn more about this unique Gospel and the Jesus it portrays, this book is for you. Join Jennifer as she skilfully guides you through the depth and drama of the Fourth Gospel. "Framing her commentary as a dramatic presentation, Bashaw's John for Normal People invites readers into a theatrical and musical performance of this rich gospel. Beginning with the overture, proceeding with four acts, and culminating with an epilogue, Bashaw's commentary invites readers to appreciate John's Gospel right to the final note. This is a must-read for anyone who desires a refreshing view of the Gospel of John." --Angela N. Parker, author of If God Still Breathes, Why Can't I?: Black Lives Matter & BIblical Authority "Jennifer Garcia Bashaw wants to take you to the theater where the divine epic that is the Gospel of John is continuing its two-millennia-long run. In John for Normal People we encounter a first-rate scholar who graciously consents to not write in the arcane language of the academy, but in the passionate and playful language of a joyful enthusiast. Bashaw loves the Gospel of John, and she wants you to love it too. Presenting the Fourth Gospel as a four-act play (including intermission and a bonus scene) is both delightfully creative and true to the artistic nature of John's Gospel. John for Normal People is not a dry academic text to be occasionally consulted; rather it is a book to be read and enjoyed." -- Brian Zahnd, pastor of Word of Life Church, author of The Wood Between the Worlds "John's Gospel is drama--in more than one sense of the word. Beloved by Christians for millennia, this gospel remains a favorite, but often misunderstoond and misapplied, story of Jesus and his earliest followers. Bashaw capitalizes on John's drama--both in its form and its meanings--capturing readers in John's narrative theater and challenging us not only to understand this gospel's messages better, but to experience them. This book offers all people ("normal" or not) a way to encounter this gospel anew." --Alicia D. Myers, author of Reading John and 1, 2,3 John: A Literary and Theological Commentary and Blessed Among Women? Mothers and Motherhood in the New Testament "John for Normal People is not a typical commentary. Yes, Dr. Bashaw is a expert guide who will help readers understand the complexities of what is one of the more enigmatic books of the New Testament, but she has made the task so incredibly fun. Reading her book is like a night out on the town, so much so that I had to remind myself a number of times that I was not, in fact, at a Broadway musical, I was in an uncomfortable armchair...in my living room...learning about Jesus. Because of Dr. Bashaw's innovative work, I will never read the Gospel of John in the same way (her proposed choreography and stage direction take up too much space in my mind). As they say in the theater, "Bravo!" --Joshua James, author of Psalms for Normal People: A Guide to the Most Relentlessly Theological Book in the Bible "A Groundbreaking Performance in Biblical Exploration! John for Normal People is a tour de force of biblical commentary! Jennifer Garcia Bashaw brilliantly bridges the gap between academic insight and engaging storytelling. Witness John's Gospel in its full splendor, presented with passion, clarity, and a touch of theatrical magic. Whether you're a scripture enthusiast or just someone seeking deeper understanding, this book will light your path!" --Tripp Fuller, host of the Homebrewed Christianity Podcast Jennifer Garcia Bashaw (PhD, Fuller Theological Seminary) is Associate Professor of New Testament and Christian Ministry at Campbell University in North Carolina. She is an ordained Baptist minister and has a passion for teaching the Bible and training pastors. Jennifer is a Nerd-in-Residence for the Bible for Normal People and is the author of Scapegoats: The Bible through the Eyes of Victims.