Scratch the surface of Western culture and you will find signs of its Christian foundations. In laying these foundations, argues the author, no ancient texts contributed more than the Gospel of Matthew, thanks to its primacy in the liturgy. The hallmark of this gospel is its discourses: the Sermon on the Mount, the Missionary Discourse, Parables Discourse, Church Discourse and Last Things Discourse - five speeches that changed the world. For an audience not limited to students of scripture or even Christians, Meyer searches these speeches for their intended message - then and now - and for the reasons for their impact that continues today. This effort to present these speeches anew includes a renewed look at their translation. To set them in context, the examination of the speeches is preceded by an overview of the Gospel of Matthew, its history, structure and theology.