“Framing her commentary as a dramatic presentation, Bashaw’s John for Normal People invites readers into a theatrical and musical performance of this rich gospel. Beginning with the Overture, proceedings with four Acts, and culminating with an Epilogue, Bashaw’s commentary invites readers to appreciate John’s Gospel right to the final note. This is a must-read for anyone who desires a refreshing view of the Gospel of John.”

ANGELA N. PARKERMCAFEE SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY, MERCER UNIVERSITY, AUTHOR OF IF GOD STILL BREATHES, WHY CAN'T I?: BLACK LIVES MATTER & BIBLICAL AUTHORITY

“Jennifer Garcia Bashaw wants to take you to the theater where the divine epic that is the Gospel of John is continuing its two-millennia-long run. In John for Normal People we encounter a first-rate scholar who graciously consents to not write in the arcane language of the academy, but in the passionate and playful language of a joyful enthusiast. Bashaw loves the Gospel of John, and she wants you to love it too. Presenting the Fourth Gospel as a four-act play (including intermission and a bonus scene) is both delightfully creative and true to the artistic nature of John’s Gospel. John for Normal People is not a dry academic text to be occasionally consulted; rather it is a book to be read and enjoyed.”

BRIAN ZAHNDAUTHOR OF THE WOOD BETWEEN THE WORLDS

“Delve deep into the heart of John's Gospel with Jennifer Garcia Bashaw's masterful guide! Through the unique lens of theatrical re-creations, John for Normal People invites readers into the vibrant world of John, unraveling its mysteries and wonders. It's a curtain raise on the Gospel like you've never seen before!”

TRIPP FULLERHOST OF THE HOMEBREWED CHRISTIANITY PODCAST & VISITING PROFESSOR OF THEOLOGY AT LUTHER THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY

“John’s Gospel is drama—in more than one sense of the word. Beloved by Christians for millennia, this gospel remains a favorite, but often misunderstood and misapplied, story of Jesus and his earliest followers. Bashaw capitalizes on John’s drama—both in its form and its meanings—capturing readers in John’s narrative theater and challenging us not only to understand this gospel’s messages better, but to experience them. This book offers all people (“normal” or not) a way to encounter this gospel anew!”

ALICIA D. MYERSASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF NEW TESTAMENT & GREEK, CAMPBELL UNIVERSITY DIVINITY SCHOOL, AUTHOR OF READING JOHN AND 1, 2, 3 JOHN: A LITERARY AND THEOLOGICAL COMMENTARY AND BLESSED AMONG WOMEN? MOTHERS AND MOTHERHOOD IN THE NEW TESTAMENT

“John for Normal People is not a typical commentary. Yes, Dr. Bashaw is an expert guide who will help readers understand the complexities of what is one of the more enigmatic books of the New Testament, but she has made the task so incredibly fun! Reading her book is like a night out on the town, so much so that I had to remind myself a number of times that I was not, in fact, at a Broadway musical, I was in an uncomfortable armchair...in my living room...learning about Jesus. Because of Dr. Bashaw's innovative work, I will never read the Gospel of John in the same way (her proposed choreography and stage direction take up too much space in my mind). As they say in the theatre, ‘Bravo!’”

JOSHUA JAMESAUTHOR OF PSALMS FOR NORMAL PEOPLE: A GUIDE TO THE MOST RELENTLESSLY THEOLOGICAL BOOK IN THE BIBLE