Mike Oslance on his book Reimagine Jesus: Gospel for the 21st Century (November 22, 2024)

I Thought You'd Like to Know

In this episode of I Thought You'd Like to Know, former priest Mike Oslance is interviewed by Mike Kish on his book Reimagine Jesus: Gospel for the 21st Century.
MANY PEOPLE ARE CONFUSED ABOUT JESUS AND RELIGION. DOES THIS APPLY TO YOU?
Many people believe in Jesus…
yet they no longer regularly attend church services.
Many people believe in Jesus’ promise to forgive 70 times seven times…
but cannot understand how God could condemn anyone to eternal hell.
Many people believe we are created in the image and likeness of God…
but are simultaneously told that some people are “disordered.”
Many people believe that a newborn baby is precious and beautiful…
yet are also told that all people are intrinsically sinners and unworthy of God.
Many people feel that the gospels are spiritual and traditional stories…
but question how these stories of Jesus are directly relevant to their own lives in the 21st century.
If this sounds like you, then…THIS BOOK IS FOR YOU.
REIMAGINE JESUS: A Gospel "According to St. John and St. Mary Magdalen”
Actually, each Gospel was attributed to (though not written by) the evangelist it was named after. This book maintains that long-established tradition. Nevertheless, the words within this gospel-book reflect the spiritof the methodology that put the original stories of Jesus into the reach of the public. With that said, perhaps we can address a few obvious questions that might arise from readers unfamiliar with this somewhat unorthodox gospel methodology.
HOW IS THIS GOSPEL ADAPTATION UNIQUE OR DIFFERENT?
This approach strictly adheres to the parameters of science/ physics. However, the narrative also includes a deliberative approach to including Gospel incidents and faith traditions. Thus, it is named the TheoPhysics Gospel (theology and physics.) Above all, effort has been made to simultaneously develop a comprehensive and plausible context. This is accomplished by using 2techniques:

• FORENSIC DEDUCTION
• INVESTIGATIVE PSYCHOLOGY

The Gospel examines the biblical events similar to a detective. It builds a theory of the case to understand the purpose and meaning of Jesus. This reimagined narrative will delve deeply into the motives/ mindsets of all participants, while also presenting the familiar Jesus-narrative.
WHAT PRECISELY ARE THE BIBLICAL METHODOLOGIES BEING USED?
The narrative is constructed using the same approach as the ancient evangelists---with the sayings and exploits of Jesus serving as the cornerstone. Scholars observe that each evangelist might utilize incidents and sayings differently to convey a special message for a unique community. The reimagined Gospel matches this approach but adds the needs of our contemporary world---including modern prophetic voices. The scholarship of Catholic theologian Raymond Brown and the extensive work of the Jesus Seminar experts, among other noted biblical scholars, were utilized. Over 75 various books and articles comprise the research expertise of this gospel narrative.
WHY SHOULD THE GOSPEL BE ADJUSTED FOR THE 21st CENTURY?
Simply put, scriptures and Church teachings were adjusted many times in the past to help better understand the message of Jesus. Examples:

• Gospel writers adapted Jesus’ sayings/deeds to fit the needs of local communities.
• Vatican Councils updated and renewed teachings to meet modern demands.
• Pope Francis advocating for a paradigm shift in theology (November 2023.)
• Christianity HAS already adapted before, due to scientific advancements such as those of Galileo (the Earth is not the center of the universe,) Darwin (evolution,) and the Big Bang.

REIMAGINE JESUS IS THE NEW DRAMA FOR THE NEW MILLENNIUM!
A book that is relevant to everyone who seeks a meaningful life.