Reading the Bible in an age of crisis
Book Description
In a world where economic upheaval, environmental degradation, and political instability have become constant companions rather than occasional disruptions, how do we turn to ancient sacred texts for guidance and wisdom? This thoughtful collection, assembled by Bruce Worthington, brings together biblical scholars and social activists who demonstrate how Scripture speaks directly to our contemporary struggles.
The contributors explore how traditional approaches to biblical interpretation must evolve to address what Worthington identifies as our era of "turbo-capitalism," where crisis itself drives global systems. Rather than viewing the Bible as disconnected from modern realities, these essays reveal how ancient texts illuminate present-day challenges around economic inequality, political power, and environmental stewardship.
The volume carefully examines both Hebrew Bible and New Testament passages through the lens of current social conditions, while maintaining scholarly rigor about the cultural and historical distances between biblical times and our own. Contributors thoughtfully explain their methods for drawing meaningful connections across these vast spans of time and circumstance.
Opening essays establish the framework by analyzing our current critical situation, particularly capitalism's influence on contemporary values. Subsequent sections dive deeper into specific biblical themes that resonate with today's economic, political, and ecological concerns. Richard A. Horsley provides closing reflections on future directions for politically engaged biblical interpretation.
For readers seeking to understand how ancient wisdom traditions can inform modern spiritual and social consciousness, this collection offers both scholarly depth and practical insight.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~10 hours)
📄 Length: 363 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore Church and the world
- ✓ Study Bible from spiritual perspective
- ✓ Explore Economics
- ✓ Explore Christianity and politics
- ✓ Explore Sociology, biblical
- ✓ Explore Hermeneutics
- ✓ Explore Criticism, interpretation
- ✓ Explore Bible
