Donate
Back to Resources

Old Testament Conceptual Metaphors and the Christology of Luke’s Gospel

Extensive scholarship has been devoted to Jesus' depiction in the Gospels, and how such depiction is influenced by the Old Testament. Gregory R. Lanier presents a newcase for the importance of conceptual metaphor, arguing that the Gospel of Luke employs certain metaphors reflected in Israel's traditions-such as “horn of salvation,” “dawn from on high,” “mother bird gathering Jerusalem's children,” and “crushing stone”-in order to portray the identity of Jesus as both an agent of salvation and, more provocatively, the one God of Israel. Setting his argument at the intersection of three sub-fields of New Testament scholarship-early Christology, the use of Israel's Scriptures in the New Testament, and contemporary metaphor theory-Lanier suggests ways to overcome the “low”-“high ”binary and perceive the Gospel's Christology as multi-faceted. Applying metaphor theory to the influence of the Old Testament metaphors on Luke's Christology, Lanier adds methodological rigor to the tracing of such influences in cases where standard criteria for quotations and allusions/echoes are stretched thin.

This comprehensive and relevant resource provides counselors across settings with practical tips and tangible tools to foster client well-being and counselor wellness. Nonjudgmental strategies are grounded in theories and steeped in competencies. Through realistic vignettes, thought leaders illustrate how to implement techniques in an ethically and culturally appropriate manner. Counselors interested in incorporating spirituality and religion from a strengths-based perspective will find this guide indispensable for presenting concerns with people of all ages.

Simone Lambert, counseling core faculty

This book is an excellent addition to any counselor’s bookshelf. The table of contents reads like a who’s who of the intersection of counseling and spirituality. One of the strengths of this text is that it has a balance of practitioners, who speak to the experiences in the counseling room, and of researchers, who provide a broader context for understanding. I enjoyed the reading and was challenged to expand my own beliefs about counseling.

Gerard Lawson, Professor of Counselor Education

Gill and Freund provide a comprehensive resource for counselors integrating spirituality and religious issues into their clinical practices. Using critical ethical and multicultural lenses, Spirituality and Religion in Counseling interweaves rich case studies and practical tools that aid a counselor’s ability to grow. This volume will help practitioners better understand clients’ spiritual worldviews and honor the sacred in the lives of those they work with. A great addition to any professional library!

Michael M. Kocet, Chair of Counselor Education

Gill and Freund provide a bold and essential next step in integrating spirituality and religion into the counseling process. By providing a developmental lens, case studies, and focusing on assessment and intervention skills for helping clients with spiritual and religious issues, they have moved us from the theoretical to the practical. Many of us have been waiting years for such a volume and the editors have not disappointed!

Charles F. Gressard, Chancellor Professor in Counselor Education
Dr. Gregory R
Dr. Gregory R Lanier

Sign up for our newsletter

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit.