Comparative Characterization in the Sermon on the Mount: Characterization of the Ideal Disciple

The Sermon on the Mount contains many comparisons. In this book the functions of these comparisons are studied by the methodology called comparative characterization. Characterization is the way a character is characterized in a narrative. Comparative characterization is the characterization of a character using comparisons. In comparative characterization another character is used as a foil to bring out a characteristic trait of a concerned character. Jesus characterized the ideal disciple in the Sermon on the Mount with many descriptions and imperatives. To characterize the ideal disciple Jesus used many comparisons and highlighted the characteristic features that embody the ideal disciple. The many comparisons used in the Sermon on the Mount are identified in this study through comparative characterization. In addition the teleological purpose of the comparisons which is to play as foil to the characterization of the ideal disciple is identified and highlighted. Thus this study identifies Jesus characterization of the ideal disciple and his complex portrayal of the ideal disciple with the many uses of comparisons in the descriptions and imperatives of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount. Bennet Arren Lawrence uses literary narrative and comparative characterization methods at their best in his analysis of the Sermon on the Mount. After establishing a deeper knowledge about the teaching of Jesus he endeavors to foreground the ideal disciple embedded within the narrative framework of the text. The author explores some of the noteworthy narrative aspects such as imperatival characterization showing and telling techniques rhetorical underpinnings and thesis and antithesis contrast. I highly recommend this book. --Johnson Thomaskutty Associate Professor of New Testament Union Biblical Seminary Pune India Arren Bennet Lawrence received his PhD from Asia Graduate School of Theology Manila Philippines. He teaches New Testament in Hindustan Bible Institute and College Chennai India. He has written a book called Legalistic Nomism (2016). He is married to Joyce Ventura Lawrence. Both of them are missionaries to India for eight years and they have a beautiful daughter Netanya Lawrence.