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Article published In: Argumentation and the interpretation of religious texts
Edited by Fabrizio Macagno and Lucia Salvato
[Journal of Argumentation in Context 12:1] 2023
► pp. 59–76

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Cracking the code of Jesus’s parables with argumentation analysis

ORCiD logo with link | University of Eastern Finland
Published online: 9 May 2023
DOI logo with link
https://doi.org/10.1075/jaic.22005.thu
Abstract
The teachings of Jesus consist to a great extent of parables. There is, however, no unanimity on what each parable means or how it should be interpreted. I argue that modern argumentation analysis is the key to understanding the parables and their effect on the reading or listening public. Irrespective of the length of the parable or the imagery used, the aim of each one is to persuade its audience. The parables operate with a common, hidden argumentative structure. By cracking this code, one can assess the meaning and function of the parables in a reliable way. Example texts discussed and analyzed are some crucial parables in Matt. 24–25.
Article outline
  • Introduction
  • 1.Prophecy or reasoning?
  • 2.Reading the parables with Toulmin
    • 2.1Selecting the approach
    • 2.2Applying the method to the parables
  • 3.Matthew’s final parables
    • 3.1Intriguing stories
    • 3.2The Wicked Manager (Matt. 24:45–51)
    • 3.3Ten bridesmaids (Matt. 25:1–12)
    • 3.4The Talents (Matt. 25:14–30)
    • 3.5The Last Judgment
  • 4.Conclusions
  • Notes
  • References
References (25)
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