Mark of a Non-Realist - Print book

Mark of a Non-Realist
A Contemporary Reading of the Second Gospel

By Ian J. Cairns

[6 copies only in stock at this special price 1 July 2026
We will not be re-stocking this title when these copies have sold]

A thoughtful and challenging contemporary reading of Mark’s Gospel for readers seeking a fresh, intellectually honest approach to Christian faith, scripture, and modern spirituality.

This book will help you:

• Read the Gospel of Mark through a contemporary theological lens
• Explore the meaning of “following Jesus” in a modern, non-realist framework
• Engage with scripture without relying on traditional supernatural assumptions
• Reflect on the historical and cultural setting of Jesus and the Gospel writer
• Understand how progressive Christianity approaches biblical interpretation
• Consider how churches might rethink faith for a changing world
• Deepen your appreciation of Mark as a Gospel of lasting spiritual and ethical significance

Features

• A contemporary interpretation of the Second Gospel
• Written from a progressive, non-realist theological perspective
• Engages with questions of faith, history, scripture, and modern belief
• Valuable for ministers, theological students, study groups, and reflective readers
• New Zealand-authored contribution to progressive Christian thought

Soft cover 307pp
17 x 24 cm
ISBN: 0958252122
Fraser Books (2004)

Description

For readers who want to take the Bible seriously without reading it simplistically, this book offers a courageous and thoughtful engagement with the Gospel of Mark.

It approaches the Second Gospel not as a document to be accepted uncritically, but as a powerful ancient text that can still speak meaningfully to contemporary readers who live with modern historical awareness, critical scholarship, and changing understandings of faith.

At the heart of this work is the challenge of interpreting Jesus and Mark in ways that are honest to both their first-century context and the realities of the modern world. Rather than treating the Gospel as a flat historical record or a set of fixed doctrines, the author invites readers to explore how the stories, teachings, conflicts, and hopes found in Mark may be translated into a contemporary spiritual framework. This makes the book especially valuable for those interested in progressive Christianity, Sea of Faith perspectives, biblical criticism, and the continuing relevance of Jesus beyond traditional literalism.

The book is also a deeply personal and theological exploration. It reflects the journey of a scholar, minister, and teacher who wrestled seriously with the meaning of Christian discipleship in a postmodern age. Readers will find an interpretation that respects the ancient text while asking what it means to follow the way of Jesus today. The result is a reflective and substantial work for clergy, lay readers, theology students, church discussion groups, and anyone seeking an open, questioning, and intellectually responsible approach to the Gospel of Mark.

About the Author

Ian J. Cairns was a New Zealand Presbyterian minister, scholar, teacher, and theologian. Born in Ashburton in 1930 and ordained in 1959, he taught in the fields of classics, biblical studies, and Islamic studies. He spent many years in Indonesia with his wife, Mae, serving as both teacher and chaplain, and later became Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand. His work reflects a strong commitment to thoughtful biblical interpretation, progressive theology, justice, and the ongoing renewal of Christian faith in the modern world.

Contents 

Introduction: Reading Mark Today

Part One: Mark, Jesus, and the Question of Realism
The Gospel of Mark in its historical setting
Jesus as a person of his time
The meaning of non-realism
Translating ancient belief into contemporary faith

Part Two: The Beginning of the Gospel
John the Baptist and the wilderness
The baptism of Jesus
The proclamation of the kingdom
Calling disciples and beginning the journey

Part Three: Healing, Conflict, and Authority
Stories of healing and restoration
Conflict with religious authorities
Parables and the imagination of faith
The question of power and service

Part Four: Following Jesus
Discipleship in Mark
Misunderstanding, fear, and faith
The way of the cross
Following Jesus without simply copying Jesus

Part Five: Jerusalem, Passion, and Hope
The journey to Jerusalem
Temple, power, and prophetic challenge
The passion narrative
Death, absence, and renewed meaning

Conclusion: Mark for a New Millennium
The continuing value of the Second Gospel
Faith beyond literalism
The future of church and theology

SEO-Friendly Description (160 Characters)
A progressive contemporary reading of Mark’s Gospel exploring Jesus, scripture, faith, and non-realist theology for modern readers.

Keywords
Gospel of Mark,Second Gospel,Ian Cairns,non-realist theology,progressive Christianity,biblical studies,New Zealand theology,Sea of Faith,Christian scripture,Fraser Books