Most scholars dream of making significant contributions to their fields of study and perhaps even of upending them with new discoveries. Kenneth E. Bailey (1930-2016), though not widely known outside of ecclesial circles, enjoyed this pleasure. He taught pastors and New Testament scholars to view the parables and actions of Jesus through the lens of traditional village culture in the Middle East, and he also showed them that Jesus’ parables...
Jesus through Middle Eastern eyes: The life and legacy of Kenneth E. Bailey
Michael Parker recalls the life of missionary and New Testament scholar Kenneth Bailey, who depicted Jesus as a “metaphorical theologian.”
Bailey with students at Assiut College, Egypt, 1963. Photo contributed.
