The Bible: Cultural Critique and Transformation

The Bible is notably the most translated book in human history.

Its worldwide popularity has shaped political, economic and cultural relations in societies where it is read. Its entrenchment in history has made it a language for readers, interpreters and textual critics alike who have found the Bible a useful means to address issues of concern within their contexts and so to voice various calls for social and cultural transformation.

Despite the fact that the study of the Bible in its different theological forms and genres in the last two centuries, in Europe and N. America at least, has been dominated by issues of historical veracity, reliability and credibility, none of which are unimportant; biblical interpretation, meaning and function must be linked to the various contexts within which the Bible is read and in light of the readers’ experiences, insights and concerns.

This module will explore how various groups, including the biblical writers themselves, have employed the biblical text as a language of liberation, reconciliation and social transformation. The cases that will be explored will include: justice for the earth; poverty and economic justice; justice for immigrants; health; gender and sexual justice as well as postcolonial and postmodern critical interrogation of the biblical text. The modalities used to examine and interpret the text will also include art, film, literature and music.

Those not on the MA programme are very welcome to book on this module as an auditor.

Contact Rosemary Nicklen for all booking enquiries
rnicklen@sarum.ac.uk  |  01722 424827  |  01722 424800 (main reception)