Bigger, Stephen (2011) Book Review, Sugirtharajah, R.S., Troublesome Texts: The Bible in Colonial and Contemporary Culture (Sheffield, Sheffield Phoenix Press). Society for Old Testament Study Booklist. ISSN 0309-0892 (Submitted)
![]() |
PDF
Troublesome_Texts_wrap.pdf Download (32kB) |
Abstract
The Bible IS a troublesome text. Its interpretation has been over the centuries the cause of major conflict. It has been used to promote slavery and patriarchalism. It has been the cultural symbol of empire, the basis of education systems in non-Christian developing regions. From it identity is claimed, and land disputes are fomented. Missionaries, by translating God as ‘Ancestor’, replaced tribal histories with an over-arching Biblicist ‘history’ in which Adam and Abraham became common ancestors. Biblical violence, as part of sacred history, becomes an acceptable political model, and patriarchy-with-polygamy is validated as a legitimate social means of repressing women.
Item Type: | Article |
---|---|
Additional Information: | The review as published is a short version (250 words), one fifth of the length of this longer version. The copyright of the short version will be with the Society for Old Testament Study and Sage publications. |
Uncontrolled Discrete Keywords: | Bible, postcolonial, mission, Buddhism, hermeneutics |
Subjects: | B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BM Judaism B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BR Christianity B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BS The Bible B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BL Religion B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BT Doctrinal Theology |
Divisions: | College of Arts, Humanities and Education > School of Education |
Copyright Info: | This version copyright is with author |
Depositing User: | Stephen Bigger |
Date Deposited: | 04 Nov 2010 11:36 |
Last Modified: | 08 Jun 2021 09:24 |
URI: | https://eprints.worc.ac.uk/id/eprint/1014 |
Actions (login required)
![]() |
View Item |