The Cross & the Prodigal

<P><B><I>Preaching</I> Magazine Year's Best Book for Preachers</B></P><P><B>Where is the cross in the parable of the prodigal son?</B></P><P>For centuries Muslims have called attention to the father's forgiveness in this parable in order to question the need for a Mediator between humanity and God. In <I>The Cross and the Prodigal</I> Kenneth E. Bailey--New Testament scholar and long-time missionary to the Middle East--undertakes to answer this question.</P><P>Drawing on his extensive knowledge of both the New Testament and Middle Eastern culture Bailey presents an interpretation of this parable from a Middle Eastern perspective and in doing so powerfully demonstrates its essentially <I>Christian</I> message. Here Bailey highlights the underlying tensions between law and love servanthood and sonship honor and forgiveness that grant this story such timeless spiritual and theological power.</P>