Jesus' Urgent Message for Today: The Kingdom of God in Mark's Gospel

(Paperback)

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Maloney argues that the key theme of the Gospel of Mark is eschatology. His argument goes against the grain of the majority of Markan scholars who contend that the themes of the Gospel are discipleship and the Messianic secret. Maloney asserts that Markan scholars have so often missed this point because of their location in the First World. The remedy for such a reading of Mark is to read it through the eyes of the people whose experience is most like that of Mark's original audience. Maloney uses the exegetical insights of Latin American biblical interpreters and the results of social science research into the first-century Mediterranean world to provide a fresh and provocative reading of Mark's gospel. The ultimate destiny of humankind, Mark argues, is nothing other than the future Kingdom of God. This is the same powerful force that broke into the world during Jesus' ministry, and which came in power at his resurrection. Jesus himself guarantees the arrival of the Kingdom in the lives of believers whenever they turn to rely on God alone. Thus, Maloney argues, this mandates the spiritual life of Christians, not as an individualistic effort but as a communal seeking of God's will on earth for every man and woman.

Reviews

"The publication of this book...is especially welcome, since it tries to do what so many avoid-to make contemporary sense of Marcan eschatology.... Maloney makes an important contribution to Marcan studies by introducing an exegetical tradition of which most of us are not aware." -The Catholic Biblical Quarterly, 66, 2004
" Reading the Gospel of Mark through the lenses of some of the newer names in Latin American scholarship, Elliott Maloney offers solid exegesis and a fresh look at Markan eschatology. Thus the teaching of Jesus for Mark's community as well as modern communities achieves a richness which I found truly exciting. Henceforth, thanks to Maloney and his Brazilian confreres, my preaching will be different!"--Richard J. Sklba, Auxiliary Bishop of Milwaukee. -- Richard J. Sklba J. Sklba, Auxiliary Bishop of Milwaukee. * Blurb from reviewer *
"Maloney's treatment of Markan eschatology is the first such study in English to integrate so thoroughly the insights and the worldview of Latin American exegetes, particularly those in Brazil. The result is a reading of Mark that insists on relating eschatology to the just Reign of God that stands over against the rule of every oppressor."--Sharyn Dowd, Associate Professor of Religion, Baylor University -- Sharyn Dowd * Blurb from reviewer *
"Fr. Elliott Maloney's study of Mark is provocative, full of insights and a delight to read. With clarity deriving from years of teaching, he offers new conclusions about the evangelist's social world. His study profits from the fresh conclusions of literary and social-science criticism. He opens up new horizons through dialogue with the Latin American church's methods of reading the Bible. Truly engaging, this interpretation is sure to bring thoughtful readers to a deeper understanding of the Markan Jesus and the life of a disciple today."--Terrence Prendergast, S.J., Archbishop of Halifax -- Terrence Prendergast, S.J. * Blurb from reviewer *
'some very useful information. The historical material is helpful and interesting, and brought alive by the connections the author makes with contemporary issues...This could be a useful supplement to other, morecore, reading.' ~ Ian Paul, Vol 28.5, 2006 -- Ian Paul * Journal for the Study of the New Testament *
"...valuable in helping to understand the social relevance of Jesus' message in Mark...Maloney's work effectively challenges the reader to consider the value of non-Western and non-traditional approaches to biblical exegesis, and shows how Mark's eschatology possesses the ability to speak to present-day circumstances." -Missiology * Missiology *

Author Bio

Elliott C. Maloney O.S.B. is Professor of New Testament Studies and Biblical Languages at Saint Vincent Seminary in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, a member of the Religious Studies Faculty at Saint Vincent College, and the author of Semitic Interference in Marcan Syntax.