Identity and ethics in the book of Ruth : a social identity approach / Peter H.W. Lau.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Lau, Peter H. W.

Series:

Beihefte zur Zeitschrift fur die alttestamentliche Wissenschaft ; Bd. 416.

Beihefte zur Zeitschrift fur die alttestamentliche Wissenschaft, 0934-2575 ; Bd. 416

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Bible. Ruth--Criticism, Narrative.

Bible.

Bible. Ruth--Social scientific criticism.

Ethics in the Bible.

Sociology, Biblical.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (246 páginas)

Place of Publication:

Berlin ; New York : De Gruyter, c2010.

Language Note:

In English.

Summary:

This study demonstrates the importance of including narrative ethics in a construction of Old Testament ethics, as a correction for the current state of marginalisation of narrative in this discipline. To this end, the concept of identity is used as a lens through which to understand and derive ethics. Since self-conception in ancient Israel is generally held to be predominantly collectivist in orientation, social identity theory is used to understand ancient Israelite identity. Although collectivist sensitivities are important, a social identity approach also incorporates an understanding of individuality. This approach highlights the social emphases of a biblical text, and consequently assists in understanding a text's original ethical message. The book of Ruth is used as a test case, employing a social identity approach for understanding the narrative, but also to model the approach so that it can be implemented more widely in study of the Old Testament and narrative ethics. Each of the protagonists in the book of Ruth is examined in regards to their personal and social self-components. This study reveals that the narrative functions to shape or reinforce the identity of an ancient Israelite implied reader. Since behavioural norms are an aspect of identity, narrative also influences behaviour. A social identity approach can also highlight the social processes within a society. The social processes taking place in the two most commonly proposed provenances for the book of Ruth are discussed: the Monarchic and Persian Periods. It is found that the social emphases of the book of Ruth most closely correspond to the social undercurrents of the Persian Period. On this basis, a composition for the book of Ruth in the Restoration period is proposed.

Contents:

Front matter

Table of Contents

Abbreviations

Introduction

Ancient Israelite Identity

Boaz: Identity and Ethics

Ruth: Identity and Ethics

Naomi: Identity and Ethics

A Provenance for the Book of Ruth

Summary and Conclusions

Backmatter

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

9786612934414

9781282934412

1282934414

9783110247619

3110247615

OCLC:

707068897