Training for the Marathon of Life

DO YOU NEED A LIFE COACH? U.S. President Thomas Jefferson did--he called Jesus' teaching: The most sublime Code of Morals ever offered to Man."" This dynamic book echoes Jefferson's sentiment, and coaches its readers by examining fifty core sayings of Jesus, authenticated by the scholars of the Jesus Seminar. This selection reveals the forceful theme of his original teaching. Each saying is carefully considered and then arranged in a unique order to clarify his positive challenge. In every age, followers have followed Jesus' coaching, working for the Good Society which, he asserted, is created by God's loving will. His grassroots approach to personal and social reform is compared with the failed social and political philosophies of our day. The author, Peter Watson Jenkins, has thoughtfully picked the fruits of modern scholarship, making them available for all to ponder, enjoy, and adopt, as Jesus' authentic coaching. He explains how his life as a student changed when, after reading Jesus' authentic message for himself, he chose Jesus as the coach"" for his lifelong marathon. Training for the Marathon of Life is not just a Bible study; it's a call to action--an invitation for us all to play our part in creating the Good Society. This engaging book is designed both for people who have never committed themselves to the church view of Jesus, and also for those who have gladly done so. It will encourage debate by young and old, and inspire great, action-packed sermons, too!

The Rev. Peter Watson Jenkins, the son of a Methodist minister, was raised in Bath, England. After training as a school teacher and then doing hospital work as a conscientious objector, he attended Cambridge University to read theology and to train for the Congregational ministry. He was ordained in 1963 and served six parishes in Britain and America. From 1966-69 he was minister in charge of the pacifist (British) Fellowship of Reconciliation. He was active in community relations, broadcast ministry, and high school religious education. Now retired, Peter works as a clinical hypnotherapist and writer. He is married to Sonia Ness who is a musician and fellow hypnotist. He has two children, one stepchild, and three grandchildren. The couple live in Elk Grove Village, Illinois.