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SN2249 THE PARABLES IN THE SYNOPTIC GOSPELS (A.Y. 2025/2026)
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Accademic Unit
Biblical Faculty
Description
The parables constitute a significant portion of the documented teachings of Jesus. Scholars widely consider them to be authentic teachings attributed to the historical Jesus. This seminar aims to analyze nature, form and function of Jesus’ parables as recorded in the Synoptic Gospels.
Total sessions: 10 (each session is of 120 minutes duration). Physical attendance is mandatory for all sessions.
Maximum number of participants: 12.
Schedule of the seminar
– Sessions 1–3 will focus on analyzing the parable genre, exploring the history of parable interpretation, and discussing hermeneutical principles for their study.
– Sessions 4–9 will feature student presentations, each examining a specific parable in detail.
– Session 10 will provide a comprehensive summary of the discussions and key insights from the seminar.
Methodology
For each seminar session, students will be required to submit a brief paper (1–2 pages). During the meetings, they will be expected to participate actively in the collaborative process of learning to interpret parables using various methodological approaches.
Evaluation:
– Seminar senza lavoro scritto:
o Short papers submitted (60%)
o Oral presentations (30%)
o Contributions to the discussions of the seminar (10%)
– Seminar con lavoro scritto:
o Short papers submitted (30%)
o Contributions to the discussions of the seminar (10%)
o Oral presentations and the final paper (60%)
Information
- Semester: 2° Semestre
- ECTS: 5
Teachers
Clifard Sunil RANJAR
Lesson schedule/Room
Lessons schedule not available
Bibliography
Apart from the scientific commentaries on Synoptic Gospels, a list of which will be presented during the first meeting, the following monographs will be helpful:
Blomberg , C. L., Interpreting the Parables (Downers Grove 1990).
Carlston, C.E., The Parables of the Triple Tradition (Philadelphia 1975) .
Crossan , J. D., In Parables: The Challenge of the Historical Jesus ( Santa Rosa, 1992).
Donahue , J., The Gospel in Parable . Metaphor, Narrative and Theology in the Synoptic Gospels (Philadelphia 1988).
Gowler , D.B., What Are They Saying About the Parables? (Mahwah 2000).
Kilgallen, J.J, Twenty Parables of Jesus in the Gospel of Luke (Subsidia Biblica 38; Rome 2008).
Kissinger , W.S., The Parables of Jesus . A History of Interpretation and Bibliography (Metuchen 1979).
Lambrecht , J., Once More Astonished . The Parables of Jesus (New York 1981).
Longenecker , R.N., The Challenge of Jesus’ Parables (Grand Rapids 2000).
Scott , B.B., Re-Imagine the World: An Introduction to the Parables of Jesus (Santa Rosa 2001).
Snodgrass, K.R., Stories with Intent . A Comprehensive Guide to the Parables of Jesus (Grand Rapids 22018).
Strong , J. D., The Fables of Jesus in the Gospel of Luke. A New Foundation for the Study of Parables (Paderborn 2021).
Young, B.H., The Parables: Jewish Tradition and Christian Interpretation ( New York 1989 ).
Zimmeramnn , R., Puzzling the Parables of Jesus . Methods and Interpretation (Minneapolis 2015).