Flesh and Glory: Symbol, Gender, and Theology in the Gospel of John

Rating:
Summary: A scholarly, erudite, and carefully thought out analysis
Review: Flesh And Glory: Symbolism, Gender And Theology In The Gospel Of John by Dorothy Lee (Professor of New Testament Studies at Theological Hall, Queen's College, Australia) is a fascinating and informative feminist interpretation of the Gospel of John, which delves deeply into the symbols, vision, and dynamic message of this basic Biblical text. A scholarly, erudite, and carefully thought out analysis, Flesh And Glory is a welcome, original, scholarly, and highly recommended contribution to New Testament Studies.

Rating:
Summary: disappointingly uncreative
Review: I bought this book to use in teaching an undergraduate course on John's gospel. The premise was promising: a feminist reading of John's symbols that didn't pit women vs. Jesus/God/the Bible.

I was greatly disappointed. Much of the book summarizes traditional scholarship without much critique or creativity. The book could use some substantial editing: it is redundant and just not very well written. And in the end, the author barely delivers on the premise.

The best parts of the book were near the ends of each chapter when she engages other feminist scholars who overreact against the very real oppressive reality of patriarchy by throwing out the while Bible.