Part One of The Gospel of Mark provides an overview of different interpretive techniques in Markan scholarship. It describes and argues for the validity of a Buddhist approach to this "charter document of the Christian Gospel." Here the author demonstrates a profound grasp not only of scriptural scholarship but of Mahayana philosophy. Keenan discusses themes such as Mark's elliptical style and the "journeying" that provides the impetus for the narrative, and explores them through the lens of "emptiness" and "dependent co-arising" which are the focal points of a Mahayana reading.
In Part Two Keenan gives the reader truly fresh insights into the paradoxical world of Mark's Jesus. Through a Buddhist lens, the text offers startling and new perspectives on Jesus himself, the experience of the "Kingdom," miracle stories and parables, the passion and death, the resurrection and return.