5. Matthew

Beck’s book, a sequel to his study of Mark (Nonviolent Story), recognizes that the Temple’s destruction (70 ce) produced a dilemma for Matthew between Jesus’ message and ‘violent retribution’. In post-9/11 America, with wars, ‘selective assassination’ and drone warfare, Beck considers options for nonviolence. He applies three strategies: (1) defamiliarizing a familiar text, investigating new directions, (2) using literary analysis (but not implying fiction) and (3) using narrative analysis he examines conflict resolution. His preface discusses definitions of nonviolence. There are three parts: Constructing a Narrative, Banished King: Exiled Nation and The Reckoning. Beck’s focus is the ‘homecoming story’, making Matthew’s narrative distinct from the other Gospels but showing awareness of the book of Ruth.

His study focuses on ‘homecoming’ (a banished/returning prince) using examples ancient (e.g., The Odyssey) and modern (e.g., animated films). Then he clearly identifies the story formula: ‘It begins in violence and sets the stage for reciprocal violence, under the rubrics of revenge and purgation’ so the hero has obligations ‘to exact revenge for the honor violated and damage done. The second is to purge the realm of the evil that has contaminated it’ (pp. 74-75). This formula is applied in an engaging way to Matthew’s narrative/plotlines, usefully including Matthew’s genealogy, Herod and the Magi. Jesus is saved from death but ultimately returns as an adult. What will he do? Beck skilfully shows Matthew’s understanding of Jesus’ return, and death by crucifixion, and relationships between violence and Jesus’ nonviolence. A valuable and challenging analysis of Matthew’s message.

Robert S. Dutch