There are parables all about us, but so often we see without seeing and hear without hearing. Those who, like me, depend on glasses will know that when you remove them the light of a street-lamp or candle appears larger, more sparkling. Can it be that to perceive the reality hidden in the objects and happenings about us, to grasp the parables, we need to have the spectacles of our conventional vision dashed from us?

Too often, Christians see the gospels through lenses which soften and diminish their impact. Christopher Burdon's imaginative but critical study of Mark's Gospel challenges us to let go of our comfortable fantasies, our lust for certitude, and our concern for "personal salvation." Concentrating especially on how disciples and strangers encounter the riddling and elusive Jesus, Burdon inspires us to let our imagination and intelligence loose on the Bible's words, to release the gospel story's terrible power to disturb and renew our lives.