Revelation Velunta’s Jeepney Hermeneutics brings to the fore this contrast of locations. It surfaces a reading that, when done from inside a jeepney, could breathe a whole new truth into the text—any text—but more profoundly the Parables attributed to Jesus of Nazareth. In the era of allegory and standard interpretations and proper driving conduct and road manners, Velunta’s Jeepney Hermeneutics is a necessary disruption to the ways in which we, as “faithful” Bible readers and “law-abiding” motorists capable of doing no wrong, conduct and view ourselves. Reading the Parables of Jesus inside a Jeepney is good news for everyone in the jeepney which is roughly 70% of the general population in the Philippines. It is bad news for those in the remaining 25% and an absolute horror story for those in the uppermost 5%. And if truth is a matter of statistics, the truth that is preached by Velunta, is indeed truest. Those who would feel insulted by these truths will realize, by the end of this book, that they are exactly that which is wrong in this world and they should—quite honestly—repent before a Jeepney runs them over.

Jeepneys, sometimes called jeeps, are minibus-like public utility vehicles, serving as the most popular means of public transportation in the Philippines. They are known for their crowded seating and kitsch decorations, which have become a widespread symbol of Philippine culture and art.