Description
Book SynopsisThe research presented in this book is a critical study of some effects of popular biblical interpretations in the context of an East African ethnic group, the Maasai. The book focuses on parallels between concepts of female inferiority in biblical texts and in Maasai traditional culture. It investigates some parallels and analyses their problems as they are conceptualized in popular Maasai biblical interpretation and how these affect the social transformation of the contemporary Maasai women.
Therefore, this book aims at sensitizing readers of the Bible about popular interpretation of biblical texts that consciously, and more often unconsciously, function as a legitimizing force, which authorizes or reinforces socio-cultural structures that oppress women. However, it demonstrates the potential of reading biblical texts from emancipatory perspectives, both in popular and academic critical contexts. Also, this book demonstrates how some popular Maasai biblical interpretations
Table of Contents
Acknowledgements – List of Abbreviations – Introduction – Case Presentation – Research Problem – Aim of the Project – Methodology – Ethical Considerations – Who Are the Maasai? – Research Context –Summary – Bibliography and Reference to Informants – Theoretical Perspectives – Terminology Clarifi cation of Feminist and Womanist – Womanist Hermeneutics – African Womanist Biblical Hermeneutics – Examples of African Women Interpreting the Bible – Action Research – “Reading Other-Wise,” “Ordinary Readers,” and “Reading With” – The Enkitok Approach – Summary – Bibliography and Reference to Informants – Reading Four Old Testament Texts with Maasai Informants – Maasai Informants Interpreting Genesis 1:27 – Maasai Informants Interpreting 1 Samuel 1:1–28 – Maasai Informants Interpreting Exodus 21:10 and Deuteronomy 21:15–17 – Summary – Bibliography and Reference to Informants – Dialogical Hermeneutics: Critical Analysis of the Interpretation of the Old Testament with the Maasai Informants – Dialogical Analysis of Genesis 1:27 – Dialogical Analysis of 1 Samuel 1 – Dialogical Analysis of Exodus 21:10–11 – Dialogical Analysis of Deuteronomy 21:15–17 – Summary – Bibliography and Reference to Informants – Summary and Concluding Remarks – Bibliography and Reference to Informants – Index.
