Writing in the Sand - Jesus and the Soul of the Gospels

Thomas Moore, well-known for his book Care of the Soul, takes a new view of the Gospels and life of Jesus through his study of original Greek texts, including non-canonical Gospels. He argues that the gospel message does not belong to any church or community, and that Jesus's purpose was not to form a religion but to transform the world. He sums up his view in the four Greek words metanoia, basileia, agape and therapeia, or 'change of heart brings you into the kingdom where you discover the power of love to heal.' He sees the miracle at Cana of water into wine as representing a deep change from plain unconsciousness to an intoxicating vision. For him, as for many of us, wine is a symbol for the deep pleasures of life. Jesus emerges as a man embracing life, including its physical side as Moore discusses the status and role of Mary Magdalene. In some respects, we surely see Jesus in our own image. For Moore, this means cultivating deep respect, dealing with demonic urges in oneself and society, and playing the role of the healer in every situation. It is an inspiring vision and one that can help to renew the Christian impulse.