According to John is a reader's guide to the most important ideas and themes in the Gospel of John. Rather than approaching its subject chapter by chapter, it asks readers to read the Gospel all the way through, and then takes them through the secret messages, codes and themes represented by the characters in the Gospel, the vocabulary of "word," "spirit," church connections such as sacramental allusions, life after death, hope, and community life in the vision of the gospel. The author, writing clearly and approachably, also devotes attention to the mystery of the identity of the Beloved Disciple and the implications of the Gospel on today's life. Each chapter ends with questions for discussion or reflection. A most useful and unique element is the addition of a thematic index to the Gospel of John that is ideal for preachers. Students, whether college level or in Bible study/adult education classes, will gain a good sense of who Jesus is in this gospel, and then also appreciate the many persons who surrounded him. They will be able to identify with what they read as well as develop a finer understanding of what contemporary faith life is all about. +
