The Non-Violent Radical [Hardcover]

Description: This book interprets the wisdom of Jesus' sayings in the gospels in words and images. McCollough examines Jesus' wisdom in the context of the political and economic world of the Roman Empire and then applies it to our own time for both personal growth and social action. Original works of art by McCollough illustrate the texts of these sayings and can be used in private reflection, worship, and educational settings. In addition, readers may use the images for newsletters, church bulletins, and program announcements. A DVD with color images of many more illustrations of the book is available from the author. The short wisdom sayings of Jesus are almost always interpreted as private or interpersonal instruction and ignore the political/economic context of his time. The result is often sentimental piety or otherworldly speculation. Yet it is hard to imagine that Jesus and his followers were blind to the tyranny of Rome and the economic exploitation of a tiny minority over the vast majority of people living desperate lives in the Roman colonies. This book uses the insights of formerly colonized Bible readers in the non-Western world to understand the postcolonial meanings of Jesus' time and our own. Endorsements: Charles McCollough assembles much wisdom in this wonderful book, from Jesus, scholars, his own life, and friends. Some of it he presents with words, some he presents in an extensive array of extraordinary, sculptured visual images. Read, look, and look again. --Warren Carter, Brite Divinity School Tell the truth. Keep it simple. Anyone charged with the responsibility of this paradox of preaching will appreciate, even treasure, this book from Charles McCollough. Dense theories of postcolonial biblical studies, tender mercies from a life of ministry, and articulate forms of an artist are molded skillfully together. The reader, teacher, and preacher will feel the heat of its firing and carry that flame into their task of living the truth that is lS—