Maloney argues that the key theme of the Gospel of Mark is eschatology. His argument goes against the grain of the majority of Markan scholars who contend that the themes of the Gospel are discipleship and the Messianic secret. Maloney asserts that Markan scholars have so often missed this point because of their location in the First World. The remedy for such a reading of Mark is to read it through the eyes of the people whose experience is most like that of Mark's original audience. Maloney uses the exegetical insights of Latin American biblical interpreters and the results of social science research into the first-century Mediterranean world to provide a fresh and provocative reading of Mark's gospel. The ultimate destiny of humankind, Mark argues, is nothing other than the future Kingdom of God. This is the same powerful force that broke into the world during Jesus' ministry, and which came in power at his resurrection. Jesus himself guarantees the arrival of the Kingdom in the lives of believers whenever they turn to rely on God alone. Thus, Maloney argues, this mandates the spiritual life of Christians, not as an individualistic effort but as a communal seeking of God's will on earth for every man and woman.

Author Biography

Elliott C. Maloney O.S.B. is Professor of New Testament Studies and Biblical Languages at Saint Vincent Seminary in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, a member of the Religious Studies Faculty at Saint Vincent College, and the author of Semitic Interference in Marcan Syntax.