Don't dissect the parables

For more commentary on this week's readings, see the Reflections on the Lectionary page, which includes Bolz-Weber's current Living by the Word column as well as past magazine and blog content. For full-text access to all articles, subscribe to the Century.

Parables aren’t too helpful, are they? Here’s what would be helpful: six steps to better discipleship. Or the three secrets of the kingdom of God, spelled out in an acrostic.

If only Jesus’ teachings were as simplistic as they are often portrayed. If only parables were neatly packaged moralisms. If only these stories were clearer, perhaps packaged as an easy-to-read policy manual or employee handbook—that sort of thing.