Social Justice in the Stories of Jesus

Invites a new generation of readers to apply ethical reasoning to social justice challenges, accessible to people of faith from a broad range of backgrounds

Social Justice in the Stories of Jesus introduces readers to the parables of the New Testament while exploring how they relate to social justice, ethics, and key issues of modern society. Centering on themes of mercy, justice, and human dignity, this unique volume invites readers to reflect on the meaning of Jesus's parables both in their original setting and in the context of present-day moral and ethical challenges. The author discusses social justice concepts from various traditions to enable readers to engage with the ethical implications of the parables in a range of different contexts.

Each chapter focuses on one parable or set of parables, such as the parable of the Good Samaritan and the parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector, and includes historical background information and an analysis and interpretation of the parable. Throughout the text, the author highlights the connections between Jesus's parables and racism, violence, poverty, the environment, our obligations to one another, and other timely social justice issues.

• Blends an accessible overview of the parables of Jesus with an introduction to social justice and ethics
• Explores New Testament parables as viewed through the lens of contemporary writers, ethicists, and activists
• Emphasizes the Jewish roots of the parables and the need to guard against anti-Jewish readings of the parables
• Highlights the ways that Jesus’s parables challenged his first-century listeners to see their world in new ways and recognize the dignity of every person
• Engages with seminal thinkers in contemporary social justice, such as James Cone, Howard Thurman, Emilie Townes, Bishop Michael Curry, and Pope Francis
• Includes study and discussion questions for personal and group use

Requiring no prior knowledge of the subject, Social Justice in the Stories of Jesus: The Ethical Challenge of the Parables is an ideal textbook for introductory courses on the Bible and New Testament, faith-based courses on ethics, and general Christian readers looking for an excellent resource for personal or congregational study.

“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.