Wednesday May 22, 2024

Voices In My Head (the Rick Lee James Podcast) Episode 547: A Life of John the Baptist with James F. McGrath

Voices In My Head (the Rick Lee James Podcast)

Christmaker: A Life of John the Baptist with Author James F. McGrath

Coming June 11, 2024

Book Description:

For many, John the Baptist is a footnote in the gospels—Jesus’s unkempt forerunner. But if we look closer, John emerges as a fascinating and influential religious leader in his own right.

Esteemed New Testament scholar James F. McGrath turns his critical eye to overlooked details in Scripture and long-neglected sources to discover who John the Baptist really was. McGrath covers the well-known events of John’s life, from his miraculous conception to his execution at the hands of Herod Antipas. Along the way, he introduces key context about John’s social and religious world that fleshes out John’s character. John becomes a rebel son of a priest. An innovator of ritual. A mentor of Jesus.

McGrath also explores John’s far-reaching impact on the history of religion. Aside from his influence on Christianity, Judaism, and Islam, John is also revered by the Mandaeans, the last extant gnostic sect, who consider themselves John’s faithful disciples. This fresh look at the life of John the Baptist will fascinate any reader interested in John, Jesus, and their dynamic world.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Essential reading for all interested in Jesus’s spiritual formation as well as the later ‘parting of the ways’ between John’s teachings and Jesus’s, this highly accessible work walks us through a little-known story of a relationship that no one previously has brought to light with such clarity and insight.”

—Nicola Denzey Lewis, Claremont Graduate University

“Thanks to a fresh approach and many hypotheses for ancient questions, this book, which is readable like a novel, will create large—and lasting—ripples in scholarship as well as in the thinking and lives of its readers.”

—Edmondo Lupieri, Loyola University

“This is a creative, wide-ranging exploration that weaves together the Gospels and later writings to present a fresh view of John the Baptist. McGrath takes the reader on a journey to re-imagine a man who was not only the ‘Christmaker’ but also an influential prophet in his own right.”

—Joan Taylor, professor of Christian origins and Second Temple Judaism, King’s College, London

About the Author

James F. McGrath is Clarence L. Goodwin Chair in New Testament Language and Literature at Butler University.

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Advent Hymn (Watching, Waiting, Longing)

This song appeared on over 80 Spotify playlists this Advent Season. I want to thank everyone for listening and sharing it this year.

Official Music Video:

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Endorsements:

“A perfect and needed addition to any Christmas playlist this year. Rick Lee James bringing home the Advent Message.”

-CCM Magazine https://www.ccmmagazine.com/music-video/rick-lee-james-advent-hymn-watching-waiting-longing/

“I love Advent Hymn (Watching, Waiting, Longing), which gives newness to the phrases of Isaiah. Watching, waiting, and longing is what we do now, and these songs help us do that in confidence. I anticipate that this album will be received as a great gift by many who will find their faith nourished and awakened by it.”

–Walter Brueggemann (Professor Emeritus of Old Testament at Columbia Theological Seminary)

"I've watched Rick grow as an artist and songwriter for many years. Congratulations brother on an excellent independent release."

-Paul Baloche (Dove Award Winning Songwriter)

"Rick Lee James is a poet and singer. You will not only enjoy listening, you'll be drawn into the source –Jesus."

-Mike Harland

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