Challenging Prophetic Metaphor: Theology and Ideology in the Prophets [Paperback]

Julia M. O'Brien (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 3, 2008

The prophets of the Old Testament use a wide variety of metaphors to describe God and to portray people in relation to God. Some of these metaphors are familiar and soothing; others are unfamiliar and confusing. Still others portray God in ways that are difficult and uncomfortable--God as abusive husband, for instance, or as neglectful father. Julia O'Brien searches the prophetic books for these metaphors, looking for ways in which the different images intersect and build off each other. When confronted with disturbing metaphors, she deals with them unflinchingly, providing a sharp critique and evaluation of the interpretations of these metaphors for God. Giving particular attention to the possible uses of these metaphors in the church today--for good or ill--O'Brien listens to the fullness of the prophetic messages and points us toward new ways to read these theological metaphors for a just faith today.

Editorial Reviews

Review

An indispensable resource for theological reflection on the prophets! O'Brien knows that we cannot read responsibly unless we wrestle with the social ideologies underlying biblical metaphors. Here she offers lucid exegesis, candid observations about interpretive method, and lively cultural criticism, along with stories from her life as a teacher and parent. Compelling and accessible, this book is essential reading for preachers, seminary students, and anyone who seeks a deeper understanding of the prophets. --Carolyn J. Sharp, Associate Professor of Hebrew Scriptures, Yale Divinity School

About the Author

Julia M. O'Brien is Professor of Old Testament and the Paul H. and Grace L. Stern Chair in Old Testament Studies at Lancaster Theological Seminary in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. She is the author of several books on the Old Testament prophets.

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Westminster John Knox Press (October 3, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0664229646
• ISBN-13: 978-0664229641
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 5.9 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #204,082 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Thought Provoking, March 17, 2009

By 

Denise A. Williams "D. Williams" (Reading, PA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Challenging Prophetic Metaphor: Theology and Ideology in the Prophets (Paperback)

I read this book for a seminary class and found it very thought provoking. I believe it is a valuable addition to my library and intend to use it for future study and reference.

O'Brien opens a space in which we can candidly look at metaphors used for God in the prophetic books of the bible. In my personal experience I have found that many people in my congregation are uncomfortable with some of the biblical images of a vengeful, punishing, and angry God. O'Brien confronts these images head on. She provides stimulating discussion about how the authors of prophetic books use metaphors such as warrior, husband and father to describe God. She gives us her own insight and provides a starting point for us to discuss our own.

Challenging the Prophetic Metaphor is written in easily accessible language. While I would recommend it to any and all university and seminary students and faculty, I would highly recommend it to anyone exploring the Bible. I especially want to invite all who have ever read scripture and found themselves saying "this is not the God I know" to give this book a try. You may find it a blessing on your journey.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beginning the Discussion, March 23, 2009

By 

J. Miller (Lancaster, PA) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Challenging Prophetic Metaphor: Theology and Ideology in the Prophets (Paperback)

Many readers of the Bible feel frustrated by certain images of God, especially the metaphorical images employed in prophetic literature. These images include portrayals of God as an abusive husband, an authoritarian father, and an angry warrior. While the ultimate message of the prophets is as pertinent today as it was during the time of its composition, that message can be obscured by the images the prophets used to describe God. Some contemporary readers still use the violent language employed by the prophets to justify and perpetuate systems of violence and ideologies of oppression, making these very meaningful texts inaccessible or appalling to sensitive audiences. O'Brien confronts these metaphors in an open and honest way, challenging the traditional interpretations of these texts and inviting dialogue between all readers of the Bible in the hopes of beginning a discussion about new ways to experience God. Readers of the Bible who feel uncomfortable with certain images of God and the theologies they support will find validation in O'Brien's book. While O'Brien's book invites readers into a conversation about these important biblical texts, she does tell her readers that they shouldn't necessarily expect to resolve the dilemmas created by these images. As O'Brien proves, engaging in them is far more important, for readers could "find God not simply in the words of Scripture but instead in our wrestling with them."