Jesus and the politics of interpretation
Book Description
Elisabeth Schüssler Fiorenza challenges readers to examine how scholarly interpretations of Jesus have become entangled with cultural and political agendas in contemporary society. This thought-provoking work reveals how the recent surge in historical Jesus research coincides with broader social tensions and power dynamics that shape religious discourse.
Rather than offering another reconstruction of the historical Jesus, Fiorenza invites readers to step back and consider the forces driving biblical interpretation itself. She demonstrates how scholars often present their research as objective truth while unconsciously embedding their own cultural assumptions and theological perspectives into their work. This process, she argues, transforms Jesus into a product that serves particular ideological interests rather than fostering genuine spiritual understanding.
The author calls for a more ethical approach to biblical interpretation, one that acknowledges the inherent subjectivity in all scholarly work and holds researchers accountable for their reconstructive methods. By examining the intersection of knowledge and power in religious studies, readers gain tools for critically evaluating spiritual teachings and developing their own authentic relationship with sacred texts.
This scholarly yet accessible exploration offers valuable insights for anyone seeking to understand how religious interpretation shapes contemporary spirituality. Fiorenza's work encourages readers to move beyond passive consumption of religious scholarship toward active, conscious engagement with the texts and traditions that inform their spiritual journey.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Short (< 200 pages) (~5 hours)
📄 Length: 180 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore Christologie
- ✓ Explore Historicity
- ✓ Explore History of doctrines
- ✓ Explore Hermeneutiek
- ✓ Explore Jesus christ, spiritualistic interpretations
- ✓ Explore Feministische theologie
- ✓ Explore Feminist theology
- ✓ Explore Doctrinal Theology
