Book of Matthew

The Gospels have been used to justify self-focused, self-absorbed and self-referential attitudes, and are often read as moralistic codes that do little more than produce guilt and fear in those who use them as compilations of behaviour. Yet break free from the rigidity of many translations and you find testament to a new way of living focused on friendship, emotional intimacy and respect of all beings. In his fresh and life-giving translation of the Gospels, beginning with the Book of Matthew, best-selling author and spiritual innovator Thomas Moore strips the Gospels of their theological agendas and reclaims them as a radically new way of imagining human life. He blends scholarship and pastoral guidance to highlight the Gospels' teachings on earthly, rather than otherworldly, living in which community, compassion, inclusiveness, prayer and healing are key elements. He draws deeply from Greek philosophy, literature and spirituality to craft an accurate and challenging yet accessible translation that, free of religious moralism and dogmatism, is beautifully imaginative and inspirational. His accompanying commentary cracks open words and concepts presented in the Gospels to reveal new meanings that are profoundly spiritual and non-exclusive. He explains hidden references to ancient Greek gods and goddesses and shows surprisingly how the Gospels teachings are similar to teachings of other traditions, such as Taoism and Buddhism. Rich in both soul and spirit, this extraordinary translation and commentary is for people of all spiritual and philosophical backgrounds who want to nourish their spiritual lives with expansive inspiration rather than narrow and negative interpretations.