Reviews
With economic stress feeding anti-immigrant prejudice, debates over sexuality heating up, and fear of terrorism percolating, Christians would do well to consider that Jesus fraternized with misfits and was himself a social deviant. Greg Carey-winsome communicator and professor of New Testament at Lancaster Theological Seminary-offers us colorful and compelling evidence that Jesus and his early followers often did not fit the mold., Carey effectively challenges and re-scripts common narratives of Jesus's life…. After absorbing Carey's interpretations, readers will want to have their views shaken even more., Carey effectively challenges and re-scripts common narratives of Jesus's life.... After absorbing Carey's interpretations, readers will want to have their views shaken even more., ... students and laypersons will find much food for provocative thought presented in a lively and academically responsible fashion. C[arey] adroitly canvasses key biblical and scholarly sources, spiced with illuminating insights from modern film, literature, and pop culture., With economic stress feeding anti-immigrant prejudice, debates over sexuality heating up, and fear of terrorism percolating, Christians would do well to consider that Jesus fraternized with misfits and was himself a social deviant. Greg Carey-winsome communicator and professor of New Testament at Lancaster Theological Seminary-offers us colorful and compelling evidence that Jesus and his early followers often did not fit the mold., With economic stress feeding anti-immigrant prejudice, debates over sexuality heating up, and fear of terrorism percolating, Christians would do well to consider that Jesus fraternized with misfits and was himself a social deviant. Greg Carey--winsome communicator and professor of New Testament at Lancaster Theological Seminary--offers us colorful and compelling evidence that Jesus and his early followers often did not fit the mold., Carey's book is written in a lively and engaging manner that offers non-specialists an enjoyable and provocative look at the way in which Jesus and the first Christians frequently violated conventional social norms.... The book proceeds in some unexpected directions along the way but is very enjoyable and overall succeeds in making the reader think about the unconventional nature of early Christianity., This book surprises the reader with discoveries that make its theme come alive with a renewed appreciation for how rhetorical subjects are embedded inextricably in the human experience. The writing is simple, clear, engaging, and often even exciting. Gary Selby helps us to grasp the power of rhetoric as a lived, experienced phenomenon. His work draws out King's use of Exodus in a manner that provides unsuspected depth of meaning and understanding. -Michael Osborn, University of Memphis, Professor Emeritus, Department of Communication, This book surprises the reader with discoveries that make its theme come alive with a renewed appreciation for how rhetorical subjects are embedded inextricably in the human experience. The writing is simple, clear, engaging, and often even exciting. Gary Selby helps us to grasp the power of rhetoric as a lived, experienced phenomenon. His work draws out King's use of Exodus in a manner that provides unsuspected depth of meaning and understanding. --Michael Osborn, University of Memphis, Professor Emeritus, Department of Communication, Carey writes with an inviting style. Distilling currents in contemporary scholarship, he challenges readers to consider the implications of the identification of Jesus and his followers with and as sinners.
