Kingdom, Grace, Judgment: Paradox, Outrage, and Vindication in the Parables of Jesus - Book Review

Currents in Theology and Mission, Dec, 2002 by Graydon F. Snyder

Kingdom, Grace, Judgment: Paradox, Outrage, and Vindication in the Parables of Jesus. By Robert Farrar Capon. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 2002. ix and 522 pages. Paper. $26.00.

This is an entertaining book. The language is highly contemporary, even "hip." Capon's interpretation of the parables of Jesus is unique, if not downright outrageous. The reader will be forced to reconsider almost every part of the teaching of Jesus and will find everywhere new possibilities for preaching or teaching the parables. This is not a textbook. We might call it an expository exegesis of the parables. Nevertheless, Capon, an Episcopalian priest and noted author, builds a scholarly basis for his interpretations. He utilizes the meaning of the original and often offers his own translation from the Greek. He is constantly aware of context and Synoptic parallels.

Actually this book is a combination of three books on the parables, printed seriatim by Zondervan and Eerdmans: The Parables of the Kingdom, The Parables of Grace, and The Parables of Judgment. Without pressing his method too forcefully, Capon analyzes a parable in terms of its catholicity (universal application), mystery (hidden meaning), actuality (a course of action), and hostility or response (reaction to the parable). Some explanations delight. I found his interpretation of the Weeds among the Wheat marvelous. Anyone speaking on 9/11 and its aftermath should consider what God would have done with terrorists (pp. 83-93). Other interpretations seem puzzling. For example, Capon sees death and resurrection everywhere. He does realize that some of us readers will never grasp the pervasive nature of this theological conviction (p. 223). How he finds death and resurrection in the political parable of the Coin in the Fish's Mouth completely escapes me (pp. 167-78). On the other hand, his approach to the Parables of Judgment is very helpful. For the most part he does not see a condemnation of evil people, but judgment on people who were in the Jesus community but failed to incorporate for themselves the gift of God's grace. He calls it "inclusion before exclusion" (p. 347). A good example would be the Wise and Foolish Maidens (pp. 490-501).

For those who pick up Capon's book I cannot promise satisfaction. I can promise considerable stimulation.