Light of the World

What do you get when you combine the writings of a master story-teller, a brilliant preacher and geniused theologian? If you believe Dr. Urban C. von Wahlde, you get the Gospel according to St. John. In his monumental 2010 commentary, Dr. von Wahlde attempted to parse the literary process that was the genesis of a Gospel. He theorizes three literary strata. The Signs-Author, with his intimate knowledge of pre-war Judea, tells the stories of Jesus' miracles to prove he was the Christ. After the war and the destruction of Jerusalem, the Evangelist fights (and loses) to maintain both his Christianity and his ancestral Jewish heritage. The Redactor, a fully Christian theologian, picks up the pieces after schism rends his community, rethinking the Evangelist's more radical thoughts and taking the first steps towards defining the distinctly Christian view of the Divine Economy. All in All, a fascinating read spanning three volumes and 2,075 pages. Intimidating you say? Well, Fr. Woods has fought the monster and is back with this book detailing his struggles. It is no substitute for the real thing but you do get the flavor. John's Gospel can be as confusing as it is rewarding. This book will help you cut through the cross talk and understand what it actually says.