The Queer Bible Commentary (Hardcover)

~ Deryn Guest (Author, Editor), Robert E. Goss (Editor), Mona West (Editor), (Editor)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

The Queer Bible Commentary brings together the work of several scholars and pastors known for their interest in the areas of gender, sexuality and Biblical studies. Rather than a verse-by-verse analysis, typical of more traditional commentaries, contributors to this volume focus specifically upon those portions of the book that have particular relevance for readers interested in lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender issues such as the construction of gender and sexuality, the reification of heterosexuality, the question of lesbian and gay ancestry within the Bible, the transgendered voices of the prophets, the use of the Bible in contemporary political, socio-economic and religious spheres and the impact upon lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities. Accordingly, the commentary raises new questions and re-directs more traditional questions in fresh and innovative ways, offering new angles of approach. This comprehensive, cutting-edge commentary is prefaced by an introductory essay by Ronald E Long. Contributors draw on feminist, queer, deconstructionist, utopian theories, the social sciences and historical-critical discourses. The focus is both how reading from lesbian, gay, bisexual and/or transgender perspectives affect the reading and interpretation of biblical texts and how biblical texts have and do affect lesbian, gay, bisexual and/or transgender communities. The commentary includes an extensive bibliography that directs the reader to a full range of literature relating to queer interpretation of scripture.

About the Author

Dr Deryn Guest is Lecturer in Biblical Hermeneutics at the University of Birmingham. Dr Robert E Goss, is Senior Pastor Theologian at the Metropolitan Community Churches in North Hollywood. Dr Mona West taught at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville from 1987-1992. Thomas Bohache is a Pastor in the Metropolitan Community Churches, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 859 pages
• Publisher: SCM Press (December 30, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0334040213
• ISBN-13: 978-0334040217
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.3 x 1.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #78,624 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely Worth Reading!, August 10, 2007

By	David M. Pelletier - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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The very first light bulb gave off some light but certainly can't compare to the contemporary, energy saving light bulbs in common use today. This commentary deliberately does not give us a chapter by chapter and verse by verse format, which those following the Revised Common Lectionary faced with the challenge of weekly sermon preparation generally find more helpful. Overall this commentary feels more like a treatise on post modern, deconstructive theology and makes one wonder as to which came first the writer's politics or faith? Like most things "queer" it seems like there is a monochromatic approach -- ironic that the "rainbow nation" would paint with just one color.
Having said all this, this book is really worth having and reading (although why such a high price tag!) The Queer Bible Commentary is a start and does give off a bit of light...looking forward to seeing more work from this perspective that actually practically empowers those engaged in preaching the Gospel to all kinds of communities of faith.

5 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Come to the well! , May 13, 2007

By	V. H. Floyd (San Francisco, CA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I have written two exegetical papers using the QBC. It's easy to use, clearly written and insightful. Liberating, thoughful and edgy enough! More!!!

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Gay and the bible, October 6, 2008

By	Frank Axelsson "Fan" (Knivsta, Uppsala Sweden) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is a fun and interesting book that opens up biblical text for queer intepretations. If you are looking for arguments against biblical gay bashing or simple want old stories retold in a queer way, this is the book to read.