Sex, Honor, and Power in the Deuteronomistic History

by Ken Stone

Publisher:

Sheffield Academic Press

, 1996

Overview

In this original work, Stone studies the structure and social presuppositions of several narratives from the Deuteronomistic History in which sexual activity plays a significant role. Both narratological and anthropological tools are utilized in the textual analysis. Stone interestingly notes the link between sexual activity, gender and prestige structures; the emphasis on male contest and female chastity discussed by anthropologists of honor and shame; and the role of the exchange of women in relations between men. In each story, sexual practice is primarily related to male struggles for honor and power.

Product Details

• Title: Sex, Honor, and Power in the Deuteronomistic History
• Author: Kenneth Stone
• Publisher: Sheffield Academic Press
• Publication Date: 1996
• Pages: 170

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