Subversive Symmetry

A rigorous analysis of Mark 6:45-56 (Jesus' sea-walk). The first part of the book argues that, given the complexities which challenge the reader in Mark 6:45-56, traditional historical-critical approaches lack the terminology and conceptual categories necessary to provide an adequate elucidation of the passage in all its fantastic array. The second part proposes a theoretical framework for scholars to examine the Gospel of Mark using tools and terms often associated with fantasy literature, and suggests that this gospel is best viewed as an illustration of ancient fantastic fiction. The final part of the book shows how the tools of fantasy studies can be applied to the gospel, using Mark 6:45-56 as a case in point.