Description: "No one will go away from the volume with her or his old assumptions about biblical texts intact...The challenge and pleasure of this work is its tendency to upset expections about familiar books". Theology Today.
Details: Newsom, Carol A., ed. And Sharon H. Ringe, ed. "The Women's Bible Commentary" (expanded paperback), Westminster John Knox Press, 1998.
The Female Voice
Amos Lassen
It is always interesting to see how women interpret the Bible, especially since they play such a small part in the Old Testament. In the last thirty years there has been an increase in feminine Biblical scholarship and this commentary is fascinating. The editors examine the Protestant Bible and it is in no way a traditional commentary. Instead it focuses on portions that deal in some way with women, female symbols and references to women. It does not show favor to the female but it simply addresses issues in a fair way. There is a great deal of information here and much of it is new. The commentary is arranged in a way that it is extremely utile. It is a new approach to classical Biblical scholarship and therefore is a valuable asset to those who seriously study the holy texts.
All of the contributors share the goal of looking at the role of women yet they do not try to elevate women any higher than the traditional place for women at the time. This is not a feminist take on the Bible but rather a look at Biblical women.
Review Summary: Checking Out an Older Edition
Date: 2008-11-18
Details: I've only begun dipping into this book, but so far it has presented an interesting perspective of women, by women, on and towards the Bible. As I read more, perhaps I'll expand on this.
For basic investigative purposes I recommend getting a nice used copy of this edition, and if it suits then invest in the latest edition.
Review Summary: The Women's Bible Commentary
Date: 2007-12-26
Details: Am delighted with this book - twill be a valuable resource in my growing Feminist Theology section of my library. Am so glad that experts have put this together.
Review Summary: Good viewpoint
Date: 2006-02-18
Details: I use this book in my Old Testament Class in seminary. It is very insightful and provides a much need perspective on the text.
Review Summary: The Other Side of Scripture
Date: 2005-12-03
Details: This is my go-to commentary for all of my seminary work. As a man who has been steeped in a tradition of male-dominated interpretation of scripture this is volume is a breath of fresh air. One is remiss to deny the scholarship of this collection. With contributors like Amy-Jill Levine, Jouette Bassler, Mary Ann Tolbert, and the editor Carol Newsom you are presented with some of the greatest feminist theologians alive. The contributors skillfully employ literary, historical, and redaction criticism in studying the texts to help flesh out the place and role of women in the story of God's people.
This should be in the library of any real student of the bible.
out of 9 Reviews
