“Phyllis Tickle’s “The Words of Jesus” is one of the freshest looks at
scripture that we have had in a long, long time. This book extracts the
words of Jesus from their settings in which they’re embedded so that we can
concentrate on the words themselves. She also groups together all the words
from all the evangelists on any given subject so that we can come to grips
with the slightly different emphases in each.
This is one of the few books that takes seriously the words of the
Scriptures themselves that say, “In the beginning was the Word…..” and
even more to the point, “This is my beloved son. Hear him.” This book
should be on every bedside, in every adult study group, in every parish
library, the basis of every private retreat.
If I have ever read a book that invites the reader to come to really know
Jesus rather than simply to read about him, this is it. The introduction
alone is worth the admission fee. It teaches, it muses, it reflects, it
models the very grappling with the words which we must all do if we ever
intend to make Jesus real in our own lives.
Whatever the cost, this book is priceless.”
Sister Joan Chittister
“I’m wary of any attempt to abstract the words of Jesus from their context
in the distinctive particulars of the four gospels. But Phyllis Tickle’s
“Reflections on the Words of Jesus” is worth the price of admission, and
more: she’s given us one of the richest engagements with Scripture I’ve
encountered in a long while.”
John Wilson, Editor, Books & Culture
“I daily give thanks to God for Phyllis Tickle, whose words have long been an icon through which I have seen glimpses of divine life. I can think of no one I would rather have guide me into the words of Jesus.”
Lauren F. Winner, Duke Divinity School, author, Girl Meets God
“Abstracting the words of Jesus from their context in the Gospels is a
perilous enterprise. Phyllis Tickle has faced that danger, and in her
illuminating-and at times perplexing-introductory essay, she reveals with
stunning openness the ways in which her latest encounter with Jesus has
changed her. The Words of Jesus has something to enrage, engage, and
change everyone. Listen afresh to the words of Jesus, and then write your own
naked essay about your encounter.”
David Neff . Editor in chief & vice-president, ChristianityToday media group
“In The Words Of Jesus Phyllis Tickle takes us on journey, a journey with Jesus.
It is a journey to the past: To the experience of the early followers of Jesus who spread the Good News by spreading his sayings. It is a journey inward; we are invited and almost forced to allow the Jesus teachings to get inside of us - individually and collectively. It is a journey into the future; the words of Jesus force us to consider what lived-faith legacy we are leaving for those who will live in our wake. Phyllis leaves us no room to stand back, look at and intellectually fondle the words of Jesus. We are compelled to allow them inside and to take hold of us giving us a fresh taste of why Jesus is worth believing, loving and following.”
Doug Pagitt, Author of A Christianity Worth Believing
