The Cultural World of Jesus: Sunday by Sunday, Cycle C

The book by Pilch provides those who not only fill the pulpits across this country but also all interested in the cultural world in which Jesus lived with a lot of pertinent information that sheds light on a lot of areas that have been "muddled" in the past. Yes, I highly recommend this book. James Mauldin

I am enjoying this book as it gives me insights I have never thought about the world Jesus lived in and how those cultural mores helped shape His person. Also, the insights offered about Mary, John the Baptist and others most appreciative. I read the Gospel of Luke with a fresh approach.

The Cultural World of Jesus is written as three books. Each book is based on the Catholic Latin Rite lectionary, with each book representing one year of Catholic teaching on the Gospels. These books contain essays on the gospel for each week, which puts everything in the perspective of the mediterranean culture. These books are very good for Catholics who wish to have a deeper understanding of the Gospels, and wish to have some reading material to help their weekly Scripture study. It is also an excellent resource for RCIA team members or potential converts, to gain a good insight into the Jesus' culture and consequently the direction of His teachings. I do not know how useful these books would be for someone who was not a Catholic however. The A,B, and C Cycle system is not a straight run-through of the Gospels, as each week in the Liturgical calendar has a specific and special meaning and consequently the Gospel story for that week corresponds. However, just for the cultural reflection itself these books are worth what you pay. In addition, John Pilch has a very light style of writing, and does not get caught up in theological jargon. Each week is represented by a two to four page essay, making scripture study very easy and enlightening.