Navigating the Gospels: Mark
by Philip Fogarty SJ
GoodBookStall Review:
This is a companion to, rather than a commentary upon, Mark's Gospel. Being 'based on the work of contemporary scripture scholars', the author aims 'to offer some overall insights...' into it.(p.10). He rightly emphasises that one must read, meditate on and contemplate the gospel, letting it 'speak to the heart as well as to the head.' (ibid.).
Fourteen chapters take us through the gospel, each being a summary of its content with some comments, explanations and lines of thought for the reader. There is a useful 'Preface' and a final chapter on the Bible as the 'inspired word of God...' (p.94).
The 'general reader', for whom this, and companion volumes, are intended, will appreciate Father Fogarty's straightforward and informative style. References to other authors are few - a short bibliography of accessible 'futher reading' and Biblical Commentaries would be helpful for the person who wishes to go deeper.
Respecting Jewish sensitivities, the Catholic Bishops of England and Wales requested that 'Yahweh' should not be used in prayers, hymns etc.. This courtesy has not reached Ireland (e.g., pp 17, 88, 89). And better proof reading would have avoided minor, but obvious, errors (e.g., '...they set out for [should be 'from'] Nazareth to restrain him...' (p.25), and '...with people who's [sic] religious and moral backgrounds...' (p.19.)
Reading the relevant chapter in this book before that in Mark's Gospel, will assist one's prayerful understanding of Jesus' preaching and actions.
Reviewer: J.Nicholas Latham (31/01/12)
This is a companion to, rather than a commentary upon, Mark's Gospel. Being 'based on the work of contemporary scripture scholars', the author aims 'to offer some overall insights...' into it.(p.10). He rightly emphasises that one must read, meditate on and contemplate the gospel, letting it 'speak to the heart as well as to the head.' (ibid.).
Fourteen chapters take us through the gospel, each being a summary of its content with some comments, explanations and lines of thought for the reader. There is a useful 'Preface' and a final chapter on the Bible as the 'inspired word of God...' (p.94).
The 'general reader', for whom this, and companion volumes, are intended, will appreciate Father Fogarty's straightforward and informative style. References to other authors are few - a short bibliography of accessible 'futher reading' and Biblical Commentaries would be helpful for the person who wishes to go deeper.
Respecting Jewish sensitivities, the Catholic Bishops of England and Wales requested that 'Yahweh' should not be used in prayers, hymns etc.. This courtesy has not reached Ireland (e.g., pp 17, 88, 89). And better proof reading would have avoided minor, but obvious, errors (e.g., '...they set out for [should be 'from'] Nazareth to restrain him...' (p.25), and '...with people who's [sic] religious and moral backgrounds...' (p.19.)
Reading the relevant chapter in this book before that in Mark's Gospel, will assist one's prayerful understanding of Jesus' preaching and actions.
Reviewer: J.Nicholas Latham (31/01/12)
