Parable and Paradox

Synopsis

Since the publication of the bestselling Sounding the Seasons, Malcolm Guite has repeatedly been asked for more sonnets. This new collection offers a sequence of 50 sonnets that focus on many passages in the Gospels: the Beatitudes, parables and miracles, teachings on the Kingdom, and the 'hard sayings' - Jesus' challenging demands with which we wrestle. In addition this collection includes:  A sequence of five sonnets on 'The Wilderness', exploring mysterious stories of divine encounter such as Jacob's wrestling with the angel.  Poetic reflections on music, hospitality and ecology.  Seven short poems celebrating the days of creation.  A biblical index pairing the poems with scripture readings for use in worship.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Economics of Parable

* Key Concept: Parables use economic metaphors to convey spiritual truths.
* Real Example: The Parable of the Sower and the Seeds (Matthew 13): The different types of soil represent the different ways people respond to the Word of God.

Chapter 2: Power and Parable

* Key Concept: Parables subvert power structures by challenging conventional wisdom and revealing hidden injustices.
* Real Example: The Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus (Luke 16): The reversal of fortunes between the rich man and the beggar exposes the inequality and lack of justice in society.

Chapter 3: The Parables of Complaint

* Key Concept: Parables often express God's lament over injustice and suffering.
* Real Example: The Parable of the Lost Sheep (Luke 15): The shepherd's relentless search for the lost sheep represents God's love for humanity despite its waywardness.

Chapter 4: The Imperative of Paradox

* Key Concept: Paradox is an essential element of Christian faith, as it points to the limitations of human reason and the mystery of God.
* Real Example: The Parable of the Mustard Seed (Matthew 13): The tiny seed growing into a large tree symbolizes the seemingly paradoxical power of God's kingdom.

Chapter 5: The Value of Surprise

* Key Concept: Parables often employ surprise to disrupt expectations and challenge assumptions.
* Real Example: The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector (Luke 18): The unexpected humility of the tax collector and the arrogance of the Pharisee illustrate the true nature of righteousness.

Chapter 6: Parable and Personhood

* Key Concept: Parables illuminate the nature of human beings and their relationship with God.
* Real Example: The Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10): The Samaritan's compassion for the injured man challenges the narrow definitions of neighborliness and mercy.

Chapter 7: The Wisdom of Parable

* Key Concept: Parables offer practical guidance for living a Christian life.
* Real Example: The Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15): The son's repentance and the father's forgiveness emphasize the importance of reconciliation and forgiveness.

Chapter 8: The Future of Parable

* Key Concept: Parables continue to be relevant and transformative in contemporary society.
* Real Example: The Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25): The parable's exhortation to use one's gifts and resources for good challenges the pursuit of wealth and materialism.