Parables as persuasive narratives

This project aims at a paradigm shift in one of the most studied topics: the interpretation of the parables of Jesus. We seek to understand, how these early Jewish narratives were supposed to function in their earliest literary context as appeals to reason and the emotions. In contrast to earlier, mostly theological or historical, approaches, the project strives for a paradigm shift. It applies modern argumentation and emotional analysis, narratology, and data mining. This will result in a comprehensive definition of the parables, new analytical approaches and interpretations. The project will also offer a better basis for using the parables as historical material. In society, the misuse of the parables, for example, in hate speech can be exposed.

The main contributions of the project are:

• Parables as Persuasive Devices – Towards a New Era in Parable Research. WUNT II. Mohr Siebeck, 2025 (forthcoming). Based on Parables as Persuasive Narratives congress with multiple contributors among the most prominent parable scholars.
• Numerous articles in esteemed academic publications
• “Getting Emotional: The Parables of Jesus through Affective Rhetoric and Narrative Persuasion.” PhD diss. 2024.
• Numerous congress presentations in abroad and in Finland