Description
Book SynopsisMisuse of the Bible has made hatred holy. In this provocative book, Adrian Thatcher argues that debates on sexuality currently raging through the churches are the latest outbreak in a long line of savage interpretations of the Bible. Fascinating reading for anyone concerned about the future of Christianity.
Trade Review"[
The Savage Text] is certainly a valuable—and sane—addition to modern Biblical scholarship." (
Tribunal, September 2009)
"I have asked conservative Evangelicals whether they are open to the possibility that there could be more than one responsible Christian interpretation of the biblical texts that relate to homosexuality. Adrian Thatcher, in this passionate book, goes much further." (Church Times, February 2009)
"A very readable book, Adrian Thatcher presents a well-argued, clear and persuasive case for a peaceable interpretation of Scripture. ... His book deserves to be widely read, not least by all involved in decision-making at whatever level on questions relating to human sexuality." (Methodist Recorder, February 2009)
"[Thatcher] approaches the biblical texts under discussion from a range of viewpoints, thereby paying attention to the particular historical context in which these texts originated. With a healthy sense of irony, he distances himself from the misuse of the Bible without rejecting the Bible as such, and therefore his excellent work can only be recommended to Christians of any denomination." (Journal for the Study of Marriage & Spirituality, 2009)
Table of ContentsAcknowledgments ix
Part I What Is “The Savage Text”? 1
1 The “Savage Text”? 3
The Bible as an Idol? 3
The Manifesto of “The Savage Text” 9
The Argument of the Book 12
2 “Vile Affections”: The Bible and Homosexuality 15
Morality or Ideology? 15
A Guidebook for Sexual Behavior? 24
A Man Needs a Woman? 28
When is Exegesis Homophobic? 34
Part II The Savage Text at Work 37
3 “Cursed Be Canaan!”: The Bible, Racism, and Slavery 39
The Bible and Racism 39
The Bible and Slavery 47
Reading the Bible after Slavery 50
4 “The Great Day of Wrath”: The Bible and the End 57
“Man of War” or “Prince of Peace”? 58
“Rapture” or Rupture? 64
5 “Take Now Thy Son”: The Bible and Children 78
Jesus and Children 78
Putting Jesus First 93
6 “Thou Shalt Not Suffer a Witch to Live”: The Bible, Jews, and Women 95
The Bible and Anti-Semitism 96
The Bible and Misogyny 100
Learning from the Legacy? 106
Part III Beyond the Text: Faith in the Triune God 111
7 Faith in the Book or Faith in God? 113
The Scripture Principle 114
Hooker and the Middle Way 124
“Lost Christianities” and New “Heresies” 132
8 On Not Being a “People of the Book” 137
The Personalization of the Book 138
“Dis-solving” the Problem of Authority 145
Some Principles for a Peaceful Reading of the Bible 152
Conclusion 167
Glossary 170
Notes 180
Bibliography 197
Index of Scriptural Citations 206
General Index 212
