Mark is one of the most accessible and, at the same time, one of the most challenging of the Gospels. Mark’s Jesus is very human, but some of his stories are ‘hard’ theologically. Understanding some of Mark’s stories and sayings requires us to understand the underlying purpose that shapes his portrait of Jesus. In this session we will use techniques from narrative criticism to begin to approach Mark as a whole, understanding his themes and purpose as a lens through which we can preach week by week in a way that is true to the text. The only preparation required will be to read through the Gospel, preferably in one go.
This workshop is part of the LLM continuing development programme, but is also open to clergy and others. Led by Rev’d Dr Roger Latham, Vicar of Malvern Priory, it will look at Matthew’s shape, theme, and theology, and how these can connect with the concerns and questions of our congregations.
Roger was a student of literature to postgraduate level before ordination, and spent 15 years as a full-time theological educator specialising in literary approaches to the Bible (which were the focus of his doctoral research). He is also a passionate amateur military historian and wargamer, self-confessed Tolkien geek and steampunk.
