The Postcolonial Biblical Reader

This wide-ranging Reader provides a comprehensive survey of the interaction between postcolonial criticism and biblical studies. Examines how various empires such as the Persian and Roman affected biblical narratives. Demonstrates how different biblical writers such as Paul, Matthew and Mark handled the challenges of empire. This wide-ranging readerprovides an extensive survey of the interaction between postcolonial criticism and biblical studies. The readings illustrate the relevance of postcolonial criticism to biblical studies. They examine how various past empires such as those of Persia and Rome affected the narratives of the Bible, how different biblical writers handled the challenges of empire, and show how such modern empires as those of Britain, Russia, and America have affected interpretation. Theyalso include illuminating examples of the practical application of postcolonial criticism to biblical texts, and explore major preoccupations of postcolonialism, such as migration, representation, and the politics of translation. The volume will be essential reading for those interested in the contemporary debate surrounding the Bible and critical theory, and for those interested in empire. This wide-ranging Reader provides a comprehensive survey of the interaction between postcolonial criticism and biblical studies. Examines how various empires such as the Persian and Roman affected biblical narratives. Demonstrates how different biblical writers such as Paul, Matthew and Mark handled the challenges of empire. Includes examples of the practical application of postcolonial criticism to biblical texts. Considers contemporary issues such as diaspora, race, representation and territory. Editorial commentary draws out the key points to be made and creates a coherent narrative.