A good, but less than earthshaking, discussion of biblical women, designed for study, reflection, and inspiration. Freelance writer Kam believes that by questioning the social and cultural biases of the writers of the Bible, women can find new interpretations and insights in their own struggles against what is still a male-dominated society. She envisions this book as an aid in that quest. Following an introduction on how to use her volume and a prologue that describes the life situation of women during biblical times and the multiplicity of deities (male and female) worshiped then, Kam presents the stories of most of the women of both the Old and New Testaments. Each chapter, devoted to a woman or group of related women, follows a similar format. A background section provides the context of the story both in the text itself and in its historical setting. This is followed by a retelling of the story, paraphrased in order to avoid the allegedly sexist language of the original material. For each section, Kam then provides a homiletical meditation, followed by a prayer, a series of ``connections'' (questions for discussion and further reflection), and a bibliography for further reading. Of particular interest is her discussion of the prophet Huldah, who is sought out by the priest Hilkiah, on behalf of King Josiah, to judge the authenticity of a newly found book of the Law; Kam portrays Huldah as the founder of biblical criticism. Kam disputes that Rahab (the Canaanite woman who aided the Israelite occupation of her homeland) was a prostitute, even though she is so identified in the biblical text. Rebekah, Isaac's wife, is vividly depicted as a powerful woman and a manipulative matriarch for Israel. Absent are Zelophehad's five daughters, whose actions changed Israelite inheritance laws, and Orpah, who is seen as a mere foil in the story of Ruth and Naomi. Based almost entirely on the work of white feminists, the volume could have benefitted by more attention to scholarship by women of color. Best suited to a women's study group or Sunday school setting, the volume may be used as well for personal daily devotions.
Pub Date: March 1, 1995
ISBN: 0-8264-0804-4
Page Count: 284
Publisher: Continuum
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 1995
Worthwhile reference stuffed with facts and illustrations.
A compendium of charts, time lines, lists and illustrations to accompany study of the Bible.
This visually appealing resource provides a wide array of illustrative and textually concise references, beginning with three sets of charts covering the Bible as a whole, the Old Testament and the New Testament. These charts cover such topics as biblical weights and measures, feasts and holidays and the 12 disciples. Most of the charts use a variety of illustrative techniques to convey lessons and provide visual interest. A worthwhile example is “How We Got the Bible,” which provides a time line of translation history, comparisons of canons among faiths and portraits of important figures in biblical translation, such as Jerome and John Wycliffe. The book then presents a section of maps, followed by diagrams to conceptualize such structures as Noah’s Ark and Solomon’s Temple. Finally, a section on Christianity, cults and other religions describes key aspects of history and doctrine for certain Christian sects and other faith traditions. Overall, the authors take a traditionalist, conservative approach. For instance, they list Moses as the author of the Pentateuch (the first five books of the Hebrew Bible) without making mention of claims to the contrary. When comparing various Christian sects and world religions, the emphasis is on doctrine and orthodox theology. Some chapters, however, may not completely align with the needs of Catholic and Orthodox churches. But the authors’ leanings are muted enough and do not detract from the work’s usefulness. As a resource, it’s well organized, inviting and visually stimulating. Even the most seasoned reader will learn something while browsing.
Worthwhile reference stuffed with facts and illustrations.Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2005
ISBN: 978-1-5963-6022-8
Page Count: -
Publisher: N/A
Review Posted Online: May 23, 2010
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
This a book of earlier, philosophical essays concerned with the essential "absurdity" of life and the concept that- to overcome the strong tendency to suicide in every thoughtful man-one must accept life on its own terms with its values of revolt, liberty and passion. A dreary thesis- derived from and distorting the beliefs of the founders of existentialism, Jaspers, Heldegger and Kierkegaard, etc., the point of view seems peculiarly outmoded. It is based on the experience of war and the resistance, liberally laced with Andre Gide's excessive intellectualism. The younger existentialists such as Sartre and Camus, with their gift for the terse novel or intense drama, seem to have omitted from their philosophy all the deep religiosity which permeates the work of the great existentialist thinkers. This contributes to a basic lack of vitality in themselves, in these essays, and ten years after the war Camus seems unaware that the life force has healed old wounds... Largely for avant garde aesthetes and his special coterie.
Pub Date: Sept. 26, 1955
ISBN: 0679733736
Page Count: 228
Publisher: Knopf
Review Posted Online: Sept. 19, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 1955
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