Men in the Bible: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Front Cover
Paulist Press, 2005 - 199 pages
MEN IN THE BIBLE explores the lives of twelve men whose lives figure prominently in Scripture--six each from the Old and New Testaments. Throughout the text, John O'Grady is careful to keep these stories in perspective and focuses on the historical and archaeological evidence surrounding them. The profiles presented here represent the entire span of biblical history from Adam and Abraham to Jesus and his followers. Among them are such familiar figures as Moses, David, Jeremiah, Jesus, John the Baptist, Peter, and Judas. Apart from Jesus, all the subjects in this book have flaws--some of them quite serious. Often their noble qualities are obscured by such negative traits as pettiness, meanness, jealousy, anger, and pride. These bad and ugly aspects make the rough edges more than evident. Yet, these same individuals are bound together by a common faith in God. Even Judas must have had considerable talents and generosity to be included among the twelve disciples. As in biblical times, people today also represent a spectrum of traits, some good, some bad, and some downright ugly. But the author demonstrates that, because of the goodness of God, the bad and the ugly never eradicate the presence of goodness. He explains how such stories from the past can serve as examples for people today. By fully understanding the character of each of the men covered in this work, we can overcome the dark side of our natures and learn to become stronger and better people.

From inside the book

Contents

PART
17
PART
55
Followers of Jesus
147
Epilogue
197
Copyright

Common terms and phrases

Popular passages

Page 78 - For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government will be upon his shoulder, and his name will be called "Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Page 84 - I will not mention him, or speak any more in his name," there is in my heart as it were a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I am weary with holding it in, and I cannot.
Page 175 - I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew born of Hebrews; as to the law a Pharisee, as to zeal a persecutor of the church, as to righteousness under the law blameless.
Page 89 - And I will give them one heart, and one way, that they may fear me for ever, for the good of them and of their children after them...
Page 176 - I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this undertaking is of men, it will fail; 39 but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God!
Page 107 - Do not suppose that I have come to abolish the Law and the prophets; I did not come to abolish, but to complete.
Page 89 - Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of judah.
Page 108 - Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age.
Page 76 - The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad, the desert shall rejoice and blossom; like the crocus 2 it shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice with joy and singing.
Page 68 - And the days that David reigned over Israel were forty years: seven years reigned he in Hebron, and thirty and three years reigned he in Jerusalem, Then sat Solomon upon the throne of David his father; and his kingdom was established greatly.

About the author (2005)

John F. O'Grady is a priest of the Diocese of Albany, New York, and professor of biblical theology at Barry University in Miami.

Bibliographic information