Reading the Hebrew Bible with Animal Studies

by Ken Stone

Publisher:

Stanford University Press

, 2023

“An excellent introduction to the field of animal studies . . .  [the] applications of these ideas to biblical passages . . . illuminate the text in new ways." -- Brandon R. Grafius, Horizons in Biblical Theology

Animal studies may be a recent academic development, but our fascination with animals is nothing new. Surviving cave paintings are of animal forms, and closer to us, as Ken Stone points out, animals populate biblical literature from beginning to end. This book explores the significance of animal studies for the interpretation of the Hebrew Bible. Combined with biblical scholarship, animal studies sheds useful light on animals, animal symbolism, and the relations among animals, humans, and God—not only for those who study biblical literature and its ancient context, but for contemporary readers concerned with environmental, social, and animal ethics. Without the presence of domesticated and wild animals, neither biblical traditions nor the religions that make use of the Bible would exist in their current forms. Although parts of the Bible draw a clear line between humans and animals, other passages complicate that line in multiple ways and challenge our assumptions about the roles animals play therein. Engaging influential thinkers, including Jacques Derrida, Donna Haraway, and other experts in animal and ecological studies, Reading the Hebrew Bible with Animal Studies shows how prehumanist texts reveal unexpectedly relevant dynamics and themes for our posthumanist age.
 
“[Stone’s] ecological sensibilities, theoretical acumen, and incisive exegetical arguments open up fresh perspectives.” —Stephen D. Moore, The Theological School, Drew University

“This monograph is poised to become a key work in the field.” —Anne Létourneau, Reading Religion

“Groundbreaking.” —Carol J. Dempsey, OP, Horizons

Praise for Reading the Hebrew Bible with Animal Studies

"Most people who read the Hebrew Bible don't see or hear the animals. But they are everywhere, and they are complicated. This book looks at all of them—the good, the bad, and the ugly animals. Well worth reading if you are interested in literary studies, Biblical studies, or animals."—Laura Hobgood, Southwestern University"This was a book begging to be written, and I can think of no one better qualified to write it than Ken Stone. He has descended more deeply into the field of animal studies than any other scholar of the Hebrew Bible. His ecological sensibilities, theoretical acumen, and incisive exegetical arguments open up fresh perspectives on overread biblical texts and tired scholarly debates."—Stephen D. Moore, The Theological School, Drew University"Reading the Hebrew Bible with Animal Studies is an excellent book that offers a much-needed interface between biblical and animal studies....[Stone] gives biblical texts—and animals—the opportunity to contribute to both a complete reimagining of the Hebrew Bible and contemporary debates in animal studies. This monograph is poised to become a key work in the field."—Anne Létourneau, Reading Religion

Product Details

• Title: Reading the Hebrew Bible with Animal Studies
• Author: Ken Stone
• Publisher: Stanford University Press
• Print Publication Date: 2023
• Logos Release Date: 2024
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Ebook
• ISBNs: 9781503603769, 9781503603752, 150360375X, 1503603768
• Resource ID: LLS:9781503603769
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2024-04-10T10:55:21Z

About Ken Stone

Professor Stone, a member of the United Church of Christ, Chairs the Reading, Theory and the Bible Section of the Society of Biblical Literature. The winner of a Lambda Literary Award, Stone focuses much of his research and writing on the relationship between biblical interpretation and matters of gender and sexuality. His other research and teaching interests include interdisciplinary approaches to biblical interpretation. areas of the Canon; and possibilities for rethinking biblical theology in the contemporary, “postmodern†world. “People of faith engage their religious traditions, including the biblical traditions, to find resources for survival and transformation. In a world of conflict and diverse perspectives, however, I try to convey to students the necessity of taking into account multiple ways of understanding and using those traditions. Thus,I always encourage students to question their own assumptions about the content and interpretation of the Bible. Such a process of questioning need not be destructive, but rather creates opportunities for pursuing a two-fold goal. On the one hand, we must obtain a thorough knowledge of both the surprising diversity of the biblical writings and their historical and sociocultural contexts. On the other hand, we must reflect critically on the difficult process of interpreting and teaching those writings in a manner that will help us transform our own world toward greater justice and mercy.†and matters of and