Symbolic Interactionism in the Gospel according to John

"Mligo's work is a great contribution in the scholarship of John's gospel. Employing social science approaches, particularly the perspective of symbolic interactionism, Mligo demonstrates that in John's gospel, water not only signifies purification and initiation, but also life and healing, discipleship of service, abolition of boundaries that separate people based on their race, and a vehicle through which people become members in God's rule. This book is insightful, intriguing, and educative. I endorse it because it is good for students, ministers, and scholars as well."

--Stephen S. Kimondo, Lecturer in New Testament, University of Iringa, Tanzania



"Produced in a specific setting with a specific intent, the possibilities inherent within the [Gospel of John] go beyond that original intent as the reader enters into the interpretive conversation. The reader may see possibilities in the text that are valid interpretations in his or her setting but which differ significantly from the writer's intent by using the symbolic interactionism methodology. This book provides a road map how . . . in biblical interpretation."

--from the foreword by Lechion Peter Kimilike