The Word According to Eve [Paperback]

Cullen Murphy (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1999

In the world that created the Bible, there were no female scholars and theologians, yet in the past four decades, owing to such stunning discoveries as the Dead Sea Scrolls and the Nag Hammadi texts, as well as advances in historical understanding and the rise of feminism, a generation of scholars has found new ways to interpret the Scriptures and the societies that created them -- exploring avenues traditionally ignored by male-dominated religious study. Surveying the new scholarship and the personalities of those who have created it, The Word According to Eve not only explores afresh the history of our religions but offers exciting new challenges to our sense of worship. A Peter Davison Book.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Ever since Eve took that first step down the slippery slope leading to motherhood and apple pie, women have figured prominently in both the Bible and in the history of Judeo-Christian religion. Not until recently, however, has much attention been paid to their role. Until as recently as 1980, the Society of Biblical Literature (a sort of Modern Language Association for the theological set) had not hosted a panel discussion about women and the Bible. Much has changed in the ensuing years, with female biblical scholars at last claiming their rightful due and gender studies coming to dominate the field. In The Word According to Eve, Cullen Murphy reports from the feminist frontlines of theological debate, using portraits of top women scholars to illuminate the key issues at stake. The managing editor of the Atlantic Monthly, Murphy is a lively, funny, and highly lucid writer, singularly able to make academic theory both interesting and accessible and bringing his often quirky subjects to memorable life. (One noted critic, for instance, seems always to be uttering sentences such as, "I just came across an obscure reference to selective clitoridectomy for adult women who seem to have masculine desires" just as the waiter approaches their table.) In the foreword, Cullen suggests that feminism may just be the Bible's "fifth intellectual revolution," after the onset of Judaism, Christianity, the Reformation, and the Enlightenment. Whether they're arguing for women's role in writing the Bible or advocating Junia as a female apostle, these scholars easily justify his claim. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Publishers Weekly

Murphy, managing editor of the Atlantic Monthly, takes his cue from Catholic theologian David Tracy's remark that the encounter of feminism with religion would be "the next intellectual revolution." In a brilliant survey of the work of women scholars in biblical studies, Murphy provides one of the finest and most comprehensive introductions to the accomplishments of women in the field of biblical studies. Although he devotes a chapter to the work of Elizabeth Cady Stanton and the groundbreaking publication of the Woman's Bible in 1895, he reminds us that only within the past 30 years have women been recognized for their contributions to biblical scholarship. Murphy devotes each chapter to a prominent woman scholar who is changing the face of biblical scholarship through work in archeology, textual criticism, translation of newly discovered or little-known texts, biblical theology and studies of the historical Jesus. Among the women scholars he interviews and spotlights are Old Testament scholar Phyllis Trible (Union Seminary), who was instrumental in using rhetorical analysis and feminist theory to provide fresh readings of the creation stories in Genesis; Karen King, professor at Harvard Divinity School, whose translation of The Gospel of Mary has helped to demonstrate the fragmentation of early Christianity concerning women's roles; and Elisabeth Schussler Fiorenza, whose book In Memory of Her brings feminist hermeneutics to bear on the life and work of Jesus. Through the lenses of feminist biblical scholarship, women in ancient times, like Mary Magdalene and Deborah, Israel's great judge, take on new life. Murphy's book is a must read for anyone wishing to understand the goals and the results of contemporary feminist biblical criticism.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Mariner Books; 1st Mariner Books ed edition (October 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0618001921
• ISBN-13: 978-0618001927
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #65,867 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Cullen Murphy is the editor at large at Vanity Fair and the former managing editor of the Atlantic Monthly. He is the author of The Word According to Eve, about women and the Bible, and the essay collection Just Curious. Murphy lives in Boston, Massachusetts.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Simultaneously exciting and disturbing..., February 11, 2001

By 

RigelK - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Word According to Eve: Women and the Bible in Ancient Times and Our Own (Hardcover)

There is plenty in this book that will rile people up. Some passages will have you shouting, "Yes!" and triumphantly pumping your fist. You will be so saddened by others that you are almost nauseated. You'll hate and despise other portions. Whichever you're in the midst of, you'll be thinking. And, that's what this book is...thought provoking. It opens up the field of feminist theology for the lay(wo)man. It is a thorough introductory work that leaves you eager to explore further. You'll be introduced to leaders in the field of feminist theology and their theories. You'll see Bible passages in a way you'd never quite read them before. Be prepared to scribble voluminous notes in the margins. An excellent bibliography will start you off on your bookcase additions and interlibrary loan requests.

This book takes a crowbar to your mind and rips it wide open. And that is a potent definition of a good book... You may love this book, or you might not like it at all -- But you'll be forced to respect it and it's place in religious reading. Highest recommendation...

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent, well written, and informative., November 28, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The Word According to Eve: Women and the Bible in Ancient Times and Our Own (Hardcover)

Cullen Murphy provides a nice review of some of the key feminist scholarship related to Christianity. He writes in a clear and interesting manner, which certainly helps present what can be complex ideas. I learned a great deal about the Bible as well as the role of women in the church. Reading this book helped me to come to terms with some aspects of Christianity that have bothered me by making me feel less alone in my struggles. I have been lending my copy to friends because I felt so good after reading it that I wanted to share that feeling with others.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Intelligent and Entertaining, November 9, 2000

By 

"raspberry-swirl" (Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Word According to Eve: Women and the Bible in Ancient Times and Our Own (Hardcover)

Murphy's excellently researched book is not only a wealth of information, but an immensely enjoyable read. He writes in a language that entices one to it, keeping us interested at all times. He covers a multitude of issues concering women and the Bible and introduces us to many fasincating women and their life's work, eloquently illustrating their personalities, struggles and achievements. Murphy obviously did his homework and is obviously passionately interested in these issues. He covers it all, offering possibilities, theories, facts and hopes. As well as this he sets the newcomer on an enlightening path by giving many wonderful references and booktitles to search for. I strongly recommend this book to all readers. It is a consise, well written and very interesting read.