Parables of Parenthood
Interpreting the Gospels with Family
Foreword by Brian K. Blount
Afterword by Ginny Taylor-Troutman
Imprint: Resource Publications
Jesus told simple stories about common items; yet his parables profoundly address our hearts and minds. We offer an interpretation, not only about what we read, but also what we think and feel. Parables of Parenthood presents modern biblical scholarship in an accessible writing style in order to model how these ancient stories continue to enrich life in the twenty-first century. Andrew Taylor-Troutman closely analyzes each parable with deep appreciation before applying these interpretations to his life, because he believes the genius of the parables offers a glimpse of the kingdom of heaven in our everyday experience. By interpreting from the author's head and heart, Parables of Parenthood gives new luster to well-known, narrative gems about sowing seeds and lost sheep through personal insights about anxiety and hope. Lessons about wise builders and wicked tenants are illustrated with anecdotes about a baby's food and a grandmother's rocking chair. Through interpretations of other parables, moments as diverse as a beach trip and an ultrasound appointment invite movement from fear to faith. Through the combination of his informed Bible study and practical life experience, Taylor-Troutman empowers readers to connect the teachings of Jesus to our world in comforting and challenging ways.
Andrew Taylor-Troutman is a pastor and a preacher, a writer, a husband, and a father. His professional and personal lives are deeply involved with storytelling: stories that are silly, poignant, profound, and commonplace. Stories that are tearjerkers and belly-shakers. Stories about his son, Sam, and the congregation he serves--New Dublin Presbyterian Church. Each in their own way, these personal narratives shed light on the great story that God is writing with humankind and all of creation.
"Andrew Taylor-Troutman pays attention. He sees beneath the surface, whether he is reading Scripture, leading his congregation, eating supper with his family, or simply considering his own frailties. Parables of Parenthood bears the fruit of such thoughtful attentiveness; it is tender, honest, imaginative, funny, and more than a few times, profound."
--Bob Dunham, pastor, University Presbyterian Church, North Carolina
"What a refreshing and winsome approach to the parables! Andrew Taylor-Troutman breaks open these ancient stories of Jesus for the reader, but he does more than that. He also models a deep and sincere engagement with Scripture, not just for parents, but for all of us, regardless of our stage of life."
--MaryAnn McKibben Dana, author of Sabbath in the Suburbs
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