The storied ethics of the Thanksgiving Psalms by Joshua T. James.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

James, Joshua T., author.

Series:

Library of Hebrew Bible/Old Testament studies ; 658.

Library of Hebrew Bible/Old Testament Studies v. 621

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Bible. Psalms--Criticism, interpretation, etc.

Bible.

Bible--Criticism, Narrative.

Ethics in the Bible.

God--Worship and love--Biblical teaching.

God.

Gratitude--Religious aspects--Judaism.

Gratitude.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (162 pages).

Place of Publication:

New York Bloomsbury T&T Clark, an imprint of Bloomsbury Publishing Plc [2017]

Summary:

Drawing on research from the field of narrative ethics, The Storied Ethics of the Thanksgiving Psalms argues that story and storytelling function as important instruments in a given community's ethical shaping. While this argument has gained some traction in the field of Old Testament ethics, it has yet to inform an ethical reading of non-narrative texts, such as the Psalter. However, because the thanksgiving psalms are characterized by their inclusion of the worshipper's story, they stand to benefit from the application of a narrative ethical approach. In the present study, this argument is tested through a close reading of three thanksgivings - Psalms 116, 118, and 138 - each of which clearly demonstrates a didactic concern. Yahweh is presented as one who is worthy of trust, even in the midst of personal disaster. The affirmation of Yahweh's character provides the framework for the community's continued (or renewed) commitment and trust, hope and expectancy. The example provided by the worshipper challenges the audience to pray as they prayed, to trust as they trust, to live with hope as they live with hope. In addition, these psalms, and the stories they retell, invite the audience to tell their story when God answers their prayers, and to do so in public, in corporate worship, for the benefit of the community. These intended results - prayer, commitment, trust, hope, expectancy, public storytelling and thanksgiving - are not typically pursued in "ethical" studies, but they are clearly part of the Psalter's comprehensive vision of the ethical life and are, therefore, worthy of careful consideration

Contents:

Acknowledgements

List of Abbreviations

1. Introducing an Ethical Reading of the Thanksgiving Psalms

2. Story, Ethos, and Character Formation in the Thanksgiving Psalms

3. Psalm 116

4. Psalm 118

5. Psalm 138

6. Conclusion

Bibliography

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index

Description based on print version record and CIP data provided by publisher; resource not viewed

ISBN:

9780567675200

0567675203

9780567675194

056767519X