Misreading Scripture with Individualist Eyes: Patronage, Honor, and Shame in the Biblical World

Synopsis

The Bible was written within collectivist cultures. When Westerners, immersed in individualism, read the Bible, it's easy to misinterpret important elements—or miss them altogether. In any culture, the most important things usually go without being said. So to read Scripture well we benefit when we uncover the unspoken social structures and values of its world. We need to recalibrate our vision. Combining the expertise of a biblical scholar and a missionary practitioner, Misreading Scripture with Individualist Eyes is an essential guidebook to the cultural background of the Bible and how it should inform our reading. E. Randolph Richards and Richard James explore deep social structures of the ancient Mediterranean—kinship, patronage, and brokerage—along with their key social tools—honor, shame, and boundaries—that the biblical authors lived in and lie below the surface of each text. From Abraham, Sarah, and Hagar to Peter's instructions to elders, the authors strip away individualist assumptions and bring the world of the biblical writers to life. Expanding on the popular Misreading Scripture with Western Eyes, this book makes clear how understanding collectivism will help us better understand the Bible, which in turn will help us live more faithfully in an increasingly globalized world.

Copyright:

2020

Book Details

Book Quality:

Publisher Quality

Book Size:

304 Pages

ISBN-13:

9780830843794

Related ISBNs:

9780830852758

Publisher:

InterVarsity Press

Date of Addition:

12/09/22

Copyrighted By:

E. Randolph Richards and Richard James.

Adult content:

No

Language:

English

Has Image Descriptions:

No

Categories:

History, Nonfiction, Religion and Spirituality, Education, Social Studies

Submitted By:

Bookshare Staff

Usage Restrictions:

This is a copyrighted book.