Subversive Wisdom

Synopsis: Subversive Wisdom makes the case that in the Gospel of John, Jesus walks and talks like Lady Wisdom of the Hebrew Scriptures. In John, Jesus is Wisdom incarnate, speaking and demonstrating the subversive wisdom of the way of the cross; he is a sort of trickster, confusing and frustrating his enemies, acting in ways counter to convention, and driving out the "ruler of this world" through the upside-down logic that comes "from above." Subversive Wisdom explores literary themes in the Gospel of John such as Jesus as Torah, the "heavenly" perspective of the narrator and Jesus, political terminology used throughout the Gospel, and the New Exodus. Endorsements: "This study of John's story of Jesus exhibits remarkable brevity and depth, passion and thoughtfulness. The often perplexing Fourth Gospel comes alive, both in its context and ours. Newton lives and works at the contested-but-fertile intersection between seminary, sanctuary, and streets. I commend Subversive Wisdom to each sphere!" --Ched Myers, author of Binding the Strong Man: A Political Reading of Mark's Story of Jesus "Subversive Wisdom provides a deeply biblical rationale for hope and courage to live Jesus' radical message, even when it seems all hope is lost. I recommend that every pastor and leader not only read this book but also teach it and allow it to transform their understanding of John's Gospel." --Jill Suzanne Shook, editor of Making Housing Happen: Faith-Based Models of Affordable Homes "[Newton] has a special ability to bring together 'the sanctuary, the seminary, and the street.' Along with many of us, he is energized by the process of uncovering and recapturing the spirit of the original messianic movement for radical renewal . . . This book represents some of the best fruit of many years of 'working with the Word.'" --from the Foreword by Kent Davis Sensenig Author Biography: Bert Newton is a blogger and activist who lives in Pasadena, California.