A BOOK OF PARABLES

by Daniel Berrigan ‧ RELEASE DATE: May 1, 1977

In the spirit of Kierkegaard, who retold the sacrifice of Isaac four times to find a version halfway acceptable to normal ethical standards, Daniel Berrigan here retells Bible stories. In earlier books he has included some lighthearted parables admixed with verse. This new book is all parables and their continuing theme is the unreasonableness of God--one way, of course, of taking him seriously. ""Should God be talked to, or talked about?"" asks the author. ""The Tower of Brotherly Love Blah Blah"" and ""King David's Body Count"" are two chapter titles. Several pieces deal with colorful Bible incidents most readers will never have heard of. A commentary on the book of Obadiah (21 verses in all) is, like much of the book, very funny indeed. The book is also deadly serious, and a most effective profile of the old Greek who was the author's landlord in Detroit for three months (""Job""), is not funny at all. Despite everything--which includes some occasional creaking and contrived story-telling--DB is about all we have for a prophet just now. This book helps account for his life and behavior; it will hook a wide range of readers, entertain them, and force them to pause and think.

Pub Date: May 1, 1977

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Seabury

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 1977

Categories: NONFICTION