{"product_id":"christmaker-a-life-of-john-the-baptist-9780802884008","title":"Christmaker: A Life of John the Baptist","description":"\u003cb\u003eMeet the \u003ci\u003ereal \u003c\/i\u003eJohn the Baptist. \u003c\/b\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e For many, John the Baptist is a footnote in the gospels--Jesus's unkempt forerunner. But if we look closer, John emerges as a fascinating and influential religious leader in his own right. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e Esteemed New Testament scholar James F. McGrath turns his critical eye to overlooked details in Scripture and long-neglected sources to discover who John the Baptist really was. McGrath covers the well-known events of John's life, from his miraculous conception to his execution at the hands of Herod Antipas. Along the way, he introduces key context about John's social and religious world that fleshes out John's character. John becomes a rebel son of a priest. An innovator of ritual. A mentor of Jesus. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e McGrath also explores John's far-reaching impact on the history of religion. Aside from his influence on Christianity, Judaism, and Islam, John is also revered by the Mandaeans, the last extant gnostic sect, who consider themselves John's faithful disciples. This fresh look at the life of John the Baptist will fascinate any reader interested in John, Jesus, and their dynamic world.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eAbout the Author\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eJames F. McGrath\u003c\/b\u003e is Clarence L. Goodwin Chair in New Testament Language and Literature at Butler University.\u003cbr\u003e","brand":"William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50641325719826,"sku":"9780802884008","price":17.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0831\/4771\/8930\/files\/img_80a4cf9c-5b06-4e99-8709-973b59775cf1.jpg?v=1733011684","url":"https:\/\/surprise-castle.myshopify.com\/products\/christmaker-a-life-of-john-the-baptist-9780802884008","provider":"Surprise Castle","version":"1.0","type":"link"}