Jesus Becoming Jesus, Vol.2: A Theological Interpretation of the Gospel of John: Prologue and the Book of Signs
Overview
Jesus Becoming Jesus, Volume 2: A Theological Interpretation of the Gospel of John: Prologue and the Book of Signs follows upon the first volume of this series entitled Jesus Becoming Jesus. The first volume was a theological interpretation of the Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke. Unlike many conventional biblical commentaries, Weinandy concentrates on the theological content contained within John’s Gospel. He does this in the light of the Church’s doctrinal and theological tradition, particularly in keeping with the Second Vatican Council’s Dogmatic Constitution, Dei Verbum. This is accomplished through a close reading of John’s Gospel, theologically interpreting each chapter of the Gospel sequentially. In so doing he also takes into account the Johannine corpus as a whole. He also relates John’s Gospel to relevant material found within the Synoptic Gospels, the Pauline Corpus and other New Testament writings.
This original theological interpretation focuses primarily on the intertwining theological themes contained within John’s Gospel, specifically within the Prologue and the Book of Signs – light and darkness, the seven miracle-signs, the sacraments of baptism and the Eucharist, the seven "I Am" sayings, the contentious dialogues with the Jews, Jesus’ relationship to his Father as the Father’s incarnate Word and Son, etc. Within all of these interlocking themes one finds the importance of Jesus’ saving actions – the salvific works of his Father. The overarching theme of this book, as the title suggests, is that Jesus, being named Jesus, throughout his public ministry is enacting his name and so becoming who he is – YHWH-Saves.
Weinandy offers a singular, vibrant, and luminous reading of John’s Gospel; one that reveals the Evangelist’s theological depth and doctrinal sophistication. In so doing, Weinandy makes manifest the particular beauty of the Gospel According to John.
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- Interprets John's Prologue and his Book of Signs theologically
- Examines the Book of Glory and the passion and resurrection narratives
- Applies the teaching of the Second Vatican Council as found in its >Dogmatic Constitution on Divinine Revelation, Dei Verbum
Part 1. Introducing Jesus
- The Prologue
- The Baptism of Jesus and the Gathering of the Apostles
Part II. The Book of Signs
- Changing Water into Wine at the Wedding Feast at Cana
- Cleansing of the Temple and Being Born of the Spirit
- The Samaritan Woman and the Healing of the Official's Son
- The Incarnate Works of the Father's Son
- Unless You Eat My Flesh and Drink My Blood
- Who Is Jesus?
- Giving Sight to the Man Born Blind
- I Am the Good Shepherd: The Father's Son
- I Am the Resurrection and the Life
- The Coming of the Hour
Weinandy's work indeed brings new insight and theological vibrancy to the study of the gospels. I am not aware of any other contemporary source that manages to capture in one volume such an extensive theological exposition of the gospels. Imparts a delightful freshness to the study of the gospels today, adapting traditional theological concepts to a modern context in order to help readers better see the face of Jesus who is true man and son of the Father.
Matthew J. Ramage, author of The Experiment of Faith: Pope Benedict XVI on Living the Theological Virtues in a Secular Age (CUA Press)
Having given us an excellent exposition of the Synoptic Gospels in Jesus Becoming Jesus, Volume 1, Father Thomas Weinandy has now produced a fascinating theological reflection on John's Gospel. It is a deeply personal work that reflects the author's own faith and rigorous theological training. Emerging from the one and the same oral gospel tradition, the Beloved Disciple is seen as the interpreter of the Synoptics who enhances 'the evermore radiant portrait of Jesus becoming Jesus.' This book is not an abstract treatise of speculative theology, but rather a mediation on the Incarnation that lends itself to Kniende Theologie.
Cardinal Sean O'Malley, OFM Cap., Archbishop of Boston
When it comes to unpacking Christology, explaining who Jesus is, there is no scholar better at this in the English-speaking world than Weinandy. In this sequel to his J esus Becoming Jesus: A Theological Interpretation of the Synoptic Gospels, Weinandy studies the person of Christ through the lens of the Gospel of St. John, in which Jesus speaks with a 'divine gravitas.' This work is rich in theological insights, but more than that, it leaves the reader feeling confirmed in his or her faith. The theological virtues of faith, hope and love are all on show here.
Tracey Rowland, University of Notre Dame, Australia