Interpreting the Parables - 2nd Edition by Craig L Blomberg (Paperback)

About the Book

Craig L. Blomberg offers a comprehensive survey and evaluation of contemporary critical approaches to the parables, and he presents his own distinctive approach which stresses the significance of allegory.

Book Synopsis

The classic works of C. H. Dodd and Joachim Jeremias set the direction for nearly all further parable studies in this century. Embodied in both scholar's approaches are at least two assumptions that, for the most part, have gone unchallenged: (1)Parables make one and only one main point. (2) They are not allegories. But can these assumptions be supported by the evidence?In this introductory text, Craig Blomberg surveys and evaluates contemporary critical approaches to the parables, challenging the prevailing consensus and making his own important new contribution to parable studies. Within proper definitions and limits, he argues, the parables are in fact best seen as allegories.In support of his thesis, he not only sets forth theoretical considerations but devotes attention to all the major parables, providing brief interpretations that highlight the insights to be gained from his distinctive method. A concluding chapter examines the implications of the parables for Christology and our understanding of the kingdom of God.This groundbreaking book will be of value not only to students but to pastors and other serious readers of Scripture.

Review Quotes

"Interpreting the Parables will appeal to theological students as what will, I suspect, become the standard evangelical textbook on the subject . . . much superior to its rivals."

I. Howard Marshall, University of Aberdeen

"Craig Blomberg continues to swim strongly against the tide with his 'minority position' in parables studies. I think he makes as good a case as possible for his position that Jesus' parables are allegories, and in the course of his exposition of the individual parables usually ensures that there are some new insights even for interpreters who disagree with him. His updated discussion of the history of parable research, and his attention to recent developments in parable theory, will be welcomed by everyone."

Stanley E. Porter, president, dean and professor of New Testament at McMaster Divinity College, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

"It is good news when a good book on an important topic gets a new lease of life. Blomberg's book is lucid, well-informed and reliable, and I warmly welcome this new updated edition."

David Wenham, Trinity College, Bristol

"This book is highly recommended. . . . All serious teachers and expositors of the parables should profit from this book."

David L. Turner, Grand Rapids Theological Seminary

"This book is well written and meticulously researched, worth reading for its innumerable footnotes alone. It interacts with a wide range of literature of all shades."

David J. Graham, Glasgow Bible College

"This revised and expanded edition of Craig L. Blomberg's Interpreting the Parables is more than an accessible and reliable guide to the history of parable interpretation and the exegetical methods that have been applied to the parables in recent research. Blomberg's nuanced defense of allegory as a valid approach to parable interpretation is a worthwhile contribution to contemporary scholarship. His provocative contention that the parables of Jesus contain implicit Christological claims will be welcome to evangelical and other traditional Christian readers."

Mary Ann Beavis, Ph.D., professor of religion and culture, St. Thomas More College, Canada

About the Author

Craig L. Blomberg (PhD, Aberdeen) is Distinguished Professor Emeritus of New Testament at Denver Seminary. His books include Neither Poverty nor Riches, Jesus and the Gospels: An Introduction and Survey, The Historical Reliability of John's Gospel, Making Sense of the New Testament: 3 Crucial Questions, and Preaching the Parables.