Van Eck, Ernest2011-02-012011-02-012010-10Van Eck, E., 2009, ‘A prophet of old : Jesus the “public theologian”’, HTS Teologiese Studies/Theological Studies 66(1),Art. #771, 10 pages. DOI: 10.4102/hts.v66i1.771 [http://www.hts.org.za]0259-942210.4102/hts.v66i1.771http://hdl.handle.net/2263/15803In this article the argument is put forward that Jesus’ parables portray him as a social prophet, as many of the issues addressed by Old Testament prophets (such as Isaiah, Jeremiah, Amos and Hosea) are common themes in Jesus’ parables. As proof for and further elaboration on the abovementioned argument, two of these themes from Jesus’ parables, religious inclusivity and social injustice, are discussed. It is concluded that if public theology is understood as public theologians doing theology in public, Jesus was a ‘public theologian’ par excellence.en© 2010. The Authors. Licensee: OpenJournals Publishing. This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution License.Historical JesusSocial prophetJesus Christ -- ParablesSocial justice -- Religious aspectsPublic theologyArticle