ISBN: | 9781839730078 |
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Imprint: | Langham Monographs |
Format: | Paperback |
Dimensions (mm): | 229 x 152 x 16 |
Publication Date: | 30/06/2020 |
Pages: | 296 |
Language: | English |
Catalyzing Reader-Response to the Oral Gospel
A Rhetorical Analysis of the Markan Text’s Convincing and Convicting Devices
Dr. Mwaniki Karura provides fresh insight into the Gospel of Mark, its audience, and its purpose in this in-depth study of the Markan text and its oral context. Through careful analysis of the rhetorical layers in Mark, Karura establishes the use of Old Testament quotations, miracle stories, and the passion narratives as tools to galvanize its readers’ response to the oral gospel they had already received. Dr. Karura demonstrates how Mark’s gospel exists as both a challenge and an encouragement, utilizing parables such as the sower and that of the wicked tenants, to reflect its readers’ own hearts. In condemning its audience’s lukewarm response to the gospel they had heard preached, it simultaneously seeks to inspire obedience, faith, and whole-hearted passion for that same gospel.
This is an excellent resource for scholars and preachers alike, as they seek to further understand the Markan text, its first-century audience, and the context of the early church.
Endorsements
This innovative and enduring book tackles an important topic which has been almost unnoticed in Markan scholarship, and it is highly endorsed to the reader due to its scholarly insights and eloquence. It is commended as one of the best books on the relationship between oral gospel and written gospel.
Rev. Kabiro wa Gatumu, PhD
Associate Professor, Senior Lecturer,
St. Paul’s University, Nairobi, Kenya
Africa has millions of consummate storytellers with an ingrained sensitivity to storytelling conventions. Dr. Karura is one of them. He employs several hermeneutical approaches to examine how the Markan text aims at convincing, convicting, and transforming the readers. I warmly welcome the publication of Karura’s study.
John F. Evans, DTh
Former Head of Biblical Studies Department,
Africa International University, Nairobi, Kenya
It is a good thing when Majority World scholars can bring their perspective on biblical studies to a discussion long dominated by Western voices. Particularly relevant to this work is the rich tradition of storytelling that flourishes in many Kenyan cultures, which Dr. Karura first encountered as a child hearing stories from his parents. This has enabled him to approach aspects of the Markan text which have been less apparent to scholars whose orientation toward the Scriptures is rooted in more text-centered, cultural traditions.
Joshua Harper, PhD
Department of Applied Linguistics,
Dallas International University, Dallas, Texas, USA
Table of Contents
- Acknowledgements
- Abstract
- Abbreviations
- Chapter 1 Introduction
- Background
- Problem Statement
- Thesis of the Study
- Why Undertake the Study?
- Contribution of the Research to Markan Studies