The remarkable parable of the prodigal son has instrumental instructional value. As Donahue points out, the Lukan context is the original and most meaningful, as it pivots around the father’s behavior and firmly establishes the older son as being the antagonist. The parable of the prodigal son has multiple layers of meaning, and even establishes new paradigms for the human relationship with God. On a more mundane level, the parable

The whole concept of Christianity is that all people are sinners, but that God will forgive those sins and those sinners if they only ask for redemption. The lyrics say, "I lost my way but now I'm on my knees / if it's not too late won't you tell me please / You gotta place for me / a little grace for me" (Bentley). That lyric is not about

From a position of business ethics, the landowner suddenly shifts his focus to one of social norms and interpersonal relationships. He comments on the use of money as a tool by which to gain friends seems sinister, and contrary to the general canon of Jesus' teachings. Jesus might not be condoning sin and evil; but he does seem to suggest that money can be used to manipulate social relations

Rebellion The parable of the prodigal son in the Gospel of Luke is one of the seminal Biblical tales. In it, the father of two healthy sons divides his wealth and property equitably between them, and later willingly allows the younger son to ramble on and go traveling in his youth. The older son remains at home with the father. The younger son sows his wild oats and has a grand

Gospel of Luke / Confucius REVISED Although Jesus and Confucius are both seen as sources of wisdom in major religious traditions, it is useful to distinguish between the two of them. For a start, Confucianism is not a religion per se -- it offers no particular view of God or the afterlife, and instead concentrates on social relationships, aiming at rules of proper behavior. A comparison of certain well-known sayings by

..no longer worthy to be called your son," the father rejected that statement, and instead ordered "the best robe" be brought, placed a ring on the son's finger and "sandals on his feet." The father then ordered a "fattened calf" be butchered, for a "feast" honoring his wayward son's return. This son of mine," the father told his younger son, "was dead and is alive again..." Meanwhile, the oldest son "became angry"