Luke 1–9
Exploring Feminist Perspectives in the Gospel of Luke
Barbara E Reid author Shelly Matthews author
Format:Hardback
Publisher:Liturgical Press
Published:15th Jan '21
Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back
This commentary on Luke 1–9 explores the roles of women in the Gospel, emphasizing feminist analysis and the complexities of power dynamics.
In Luke 1–9, authors Shelly Matthews and Barbara Reid delve into the unique representation of women in the Gospel of Luke, which features more female characters than any other gospel. This commentary goes beyond merely counting these characters, emphasizing that feminist analysis requires a deeper understanding of how these women function within the narrative. By exploring their roles, the authors reveal the complexities of the text and its implications for feminist biblical interpretation.
The commentary examines the interplay of power dynamics, particularly in relation to empire, anti-Judaism, and various forms of marginalization. Matthews and Reid highlight the text's ambiguities, showcasing both the liberative potential it offers and the ways in which it reinforces patriarchal structures. This duality invites readers to engage critically with the narrative and consider the broader societal implications.
Through Luke 1–9, readers are guided toward empowering reading strategies that encourage a more nuanced understanding of the Gospel. By focusing on the experiences and agency of female characters, Matthews and Reid provide valuable insights into the text's relevance for contemporary discussions on gender and power. Their work challenges readers to reflect on the complexities of faith and identity within the context of the Gospel, making this commentary an essential resource for those interested in feminist theology and biblical studies.
“This marvelous commentary is informative, eye-opening, and challenging. It shares an abundance of nourishing insights from national and international feminist biblical interpretation. It opens reader’s eyes, for example, to see both women and men shepherds in Luke 2 and to see the anointing lady of Luke 7:36-50 as neither a prostitute nor as Mary Magdalene. It warms the heart and frequently asks such troubling questions as: What are contemporary disciples going to do locally to alleviate food insecurity for the vulnerable as Jesus did in his day?”
Fr. Robert J. Karris, OFM, Professor Emeritus, St. Bonaventure University
“Another volume in the Wisdom Commentary series continues the high quality of the project. Many voices, representing different methods, approaches, and judgments, highlight the multiple ways in which feminist interpretation can flourish in some of the most fraught passages of the Gospel. The abundant resources for further study make this first book on Luke a treasure of promise to come in the second volume.”
Carolyn Osiek, RSCJ, Professor New Testament Emerita, Brite Divinity School
“How extraordinary that ‘the Gospel of Women’ has had to wait so long for a book-length feminist commentary! But this book, the first volume of what promises to be a monumental commentary, fills the gap magnificently. Barbara Reid and Shelly Matthews, together with their large and diverse cast of cameo contributors, manage to do justice to the knotty complexities of Luke’s representations of gender without sacrificing either accessibility or contemporary relevance.”
Stephen D. Moore, Edmund S. Janes Professor of New Testament Studies, The Theological School, Drew University
“You think you know Luke’s gospel? Before you open this book, fasten your seat belt and expect turbulence. Sojourner Truth said the first woman ‘was strong enough to turn the world upside down.’ ‘Women together,’ she says ought to ‘get it right side up again.’ This commentary attempts to do so.”
Bonnie B. Thurston, author of Maverick Mark: The Untamed First Gospel
“This volume, co-authored by Barbara E. Reid, OP, and Shelly Matthews, is superbly done. The format follows previous publications in this series: a conversation between two primary scholars with diverse voices of scholars punctuating each section.
“The authors do an exceptional job breaking down Luke 1–9 into nine accessible, informative, and groundbreaking sections. What for me has always been the subject of exclusivist (as White, Western) scholarship, Luke has been made relevant by this multi-vocative work. Reid and Matthews, up against a text that has been used simultaneously to liberate and oppress, and which mentions the word ‘wisdom’ only a handful of times, shine with their inclusion of scholars of diverse experiences, social locations, disciplines, and methodologies. Additionally, with the adept guidance of Amy-Jill Levine (volume editor), Reid and Matthews address and explicate the often glossed-over anti-Jewish elements of Luke’s Gospel. The volume succeeds in making Luke 1–9 relevant not only for feminists, but for the myriad Christian communities throughout the world."
Teresa J. Hornsby, Affiliate Professor of Religious Studies, Chicago Theological Seminary"Many commentators have lifted up the Lukan narratives and themes as evidence that women's experiences are taken seriously in scripture. These authors do not dispute that, but they suggest that there are more questions than answers here, more ambiguity and variety than often acknowledged in these commonly used texts. It is a refreshing reality check."
Women's Alliance for Theology, Ethics and Ritual (Water)
"Much of the commentary considers the importance of power rankings and the patriarchal dynamics of Greco-Roman culture, together with the apparent impact of this social context on Luke's perspective. Readers seeking a more standard theological and spiritual commentary on Luke may need to look elsewhere. This unique commentary series is intended as a serious exercise in feminist hermeneutics, a task it carries out with great consistency and clarity."
The Bible Today
“This marvelous commentary is informative, eye-opening, and challenging. It shares an abundance of nourishing insights from national and international feminist biblical interpretation. It opens reader’s eyes, for example, to see both women and men shepherds in Luke 2 and to see the anointing lady of Luke 7:36-50 as neither a prostitute nor as Mary Magdalene. It warms the heart and frequently asks such troubling questions as: What are contemporary disciples going to do locally to alleviate food insecurity for the vulnerable as Jesus did in his day?”
Fr. Robert J. Karris, OFM, Professor Emeritus, St. Bonaventure University
“Another volume in the Wisdom Commentary series continues the high quality of the project. Many voices, representing different methods, approaches, and judgments, highlight the multiple ways in which feminist interpretation can flourish in some of the most fraught passages of the Gospel. The abundant resources for further study make this first book on Luke a treasure of promise to come in the second volume.”
Carolyn Osiek, RSCJ, Professor New Testament Emerita, Brite Divinity School
“How extraordinary that ‘the Gospel of Women’ has had to wait so long for a book-length feminist commentary! But this book, the first volume of what promises to be a monumental commentary, fills the gap magnificently. Barbara Reid and Shelly Matthews, together with their large and diverse cast of cameo contributors, manage to do justice to the knotty complexities of Luke’s representations of gender without sacrificing either accessibility or contemporary relevance.”
Stephen D. Moore, Edmund S. Janes Professor of New Testament Studies, The Theological School, Drew University
“You think you know Luke’s gospel? Before you open this book, fasten your seat belt and expect turbulence. Sojourner Truth said the first woman ‘was strong enough to turn the world upside down.’ ‘Women together,’ she says ought to ‘get it right side up again.’ This commentary attempts to do so.”
Bonnie B. Thurston, author of Maverick Mark: The Untamed First Gospel
“This volume, co-authored by Barbara E. Reid, OP, and Shelly Matthews, is superbly done. The format follows previous publications in this series: a conversation between two primary scholars with diverse voices of scholars punctuating each section.
“The authors do an exceptional job breaking down Luke 1–9 into nine accessible, informative, and groundbreaking sections. What for me has always been the subject of exclusivist (as White, Western) scholarship, Luke has been made relevant by this multi-vocative work. Reid and Matthews, up against a text that has been used simultaneously to liberate and oppress, and which mentions the word ‘wisdom’ only a handful of times, shine with their inclusion of scholars of diverse experiences, social locations, disciplines, and methodologies. Additionally, with the adept guidance of Amy-Jill Levine (volume editor), Reid and Matthews address and explicate the often glossed-over anti-Jewish elements of Luke’s Gospel. The volume succeeds in making Luke 1–9 relevant not only for feminists, but for the myriad Christian communities throughout the world."
Teresa J. Hornsby, Affiliate Professor of Religious Studies, Chicago Theological Seminary
"Reid and Matthews offer a variety of exciting exegetical observations, placing particular emphasis on the reception of the motifs in different contexts worldwide.”
Catholic Biblical Quarterly
"The breadth and depth of the scholarship and the application of historical and theological issues to the contemporary church and world makes these volumes a significant addition to any scholarly and pastoral library."
Theological Studies
ISBN: 9780814681671
Dimensions: 229mm x 152mm x 35mm
Weight: 635g
408 pages
43A