A short-but-sweet review of a challenging read: Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes: Cultural Studies in the Gospels, by Kenneth Bailey.
Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes dives right into disconcerting territory when the opening chapter raises questions about our Western reading of the Christmas story. Was Jesus really born in a stable, or was he born in person’s home that had the animals within for the night as was customary for the region? And is that really important? How can we learn from Middle Eastern Christian tradition and Bible translations?
Kenneth Bailey’s essays on various ways in which the Middle Eastern perspective can change how we’ve viewed various aspects of the Bible are thought-provoking and worth time spent in quiet reflection.
I enjoyed some of his chapters on the parables of Jesus, although some of the text analysis wore me out. Some theologians may enjoy the revelation of chiasm/ring composition within many of the parables. I could appreciate that Jesus was a consummate master of literature and storytelling, but in all honesty I sometimes found myself skimming over the more technical parts of the text.
Overall Impressions of Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes
This book is challenging, and yet I think it’s worth pushing through the more scholarly passages. Yes, even for those of us who are busy mothers or have careers demanding our time and attention. And even for those of us who are far from scholars. Why?
Bailey shows us that there are generations of Arab Christians who have remained unknown and unheard by Western believers. We are familiar with such Christian theologians as Augustine, but often have no idea that Arab Christian theologians also wrote with distinctive clarity and insight over one thousand years ago. Since these works mostly remain untranslated, they will remain inaccessible unless we read such authors as Bailey who can translate passages for us.
Also, if we are raising our children with Western Bible storybooks, it’s helpful to hear a new perspective on the traditional way of retelling Bible stories. Now, when I explain the Christmas story to my children, I will be more open to alternative ways of viewing the stable in which Jesus was born. And I hope I’ll instill in them a respect for other cultures and prepare them for a heaven that welcomes every tribe and tongue and nation.
For current prices on Jesus with Middle Eastern Eyes, click on the image below. For more short book reviews for the busy reader, check out my series of mini reviews.
