BANISHED MESSIAH

By arguing that Matthews Gospel can be read as a homecoming story according to the ancient formula of the Banished and Returning Prince, Robert Beck offers a fresh and provocative reinterpretation of the Gospel. He exploits this understanding of the narrative to disclose new elements within the plot, to identify a fresh resolution to conflict development within the tale, and to arrive at an unprecedented explanation of the place of violence and nonviolence within Matthews text. The traditional roles of Usurper, Impostor, and Mentor are examined for insight into what Matthews narrative achieves as well as, perhaps more importantly, what it excludes in the way of cultural expectations of violent reprisal. Its an age-old issue, pervasive in our literature, yet not engaged enough by contemporary biblical scholarship. With an eye on both the past and the present, as well as on Matthews Gospel and various intertexts, Robert Beck profitably and insightfully explores the complex manifestations and interactions of violence and non-violence. -Warren Carter, Professor of New Testament, Brite Divinity School at TCU Becks Banished Messiah is superb, contrasting Jesus nonviolence with dominant cultures hero myths in which a prince or princess is exiled (banished) and returns home, only to retaliate against and destroy enemies. Matthew confounds myths that animate the entertainment fare. Surprises abound