Take Back the Word: A Queer Reading of the Bible

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Summary: Breathing Space for the Bible
Review: The articles included in this book open space around Bible passages that for me were packed tight, even smothered, by the preaching and teaching of my childhood. Opening space for alternative readings allows the scriptures to breath and live again. The book does not hold forth a new dogma--a new absolute way to read the scripture. It does not replace one fundamentalism with another. The book is based on the premise that to read is always to interpret. Our reading is always influenced by who we are, when and where we live, and many other factors that affect our perspective. The authors acknowledge that they are reading the Bible passages as queers--as gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people. In essense, the book asks again and again, what if we look at it this way? It opens possibilities. The book addresses the Garden of Eden, Exodus, Ruth, Jexable, Nehemiah, Jonah, Mary of Magdela, Lazurus, and many other people, stories, and passages. Some of the chapters are down to earth, others more scholarly. If a more open reading of the Bible is of interest to you, this book is for you.